Rhynchophion flammipennis
(Ashmead, 1894)
Rhynchophion flammipennis is a large ichneumon in the Ophioninae, notable for its striking coloration resembling tarantula hawks—black or metallic blue body with bright orange or red wings. Unlike most Ophioninae, this is and visits flowers for nectar. It is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of sphinx moth caterpillars, with the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta) documented as a . The wasp possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting used in self-defense.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhynchophion flammipennis: /rɪnˈkɒfiˌɒn ˌflæmɪˈpɛnɪs/
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Identification
Large size (approximately 1.5 inches); black or metallic blue body with bright orange or red wings; short, sharp ovipositor; color variable (black in some individuals, possibly sexually dimorphic). Distinguished from tarantula hawks (Pompilidae) by Ichneumonidae features including wing venation and Ophioninae characteristics; distinguished from other Ophioninae by activity and distinctive color pattern shared with unrelated stinging .
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions including desert and canyon environments; observed in Sonoran Desert . found on flowering plants such as Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides). Larval development occurs underground in pupal chambers of caterpillars.
Distribution
Arizona (USA), Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador.
Seasonality
observed in late summer; specimen recorded August 21 in Arizona.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers. Larvae are internal (endoparasitoids) of sphinx moth caterpillars, specifically documented from Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta).
Host Associations
- Manduca sexta - endoparasitoidKoinobiont ; female injects into young caterpillar, larva feeds internally and destroys before
Life Cycle
Female locates young caterpillar and injects into its body. Larva emerges and feeds as internal while host continues to grow (koinobiont strategy). As host nears , larva feeds intensively and kills it. Larva then spins dense silken cocoon in host's underground pupal chamber and pupates.
Behavior
activity (unusual for Ophioninae, which are typically ); visits flowers for nectar. When disturbed, may use short ovipositor to sting in self-defense. One observed individual hung motionless from vegetation, possibly recovering from disturbance.
Ecological Role
agent of sphinx moth ; of agricultural pest (Tobacco Hornworm).
Human Relevance
Potential biocontrol value for sphinx moth pests; mimics dangerous stinging in appearance but possesses defensive sting itself. May cause alarm due to large size and resemblance to tarantula hawks.
Similar Taxa
- Tarantula hawk wasps (Pompilidae: Pepsis, Hemipepsis)Convergent coloration (black/metallic blue body with orange/red wings) representing possible Müllerian mimicry; distinguished by different wing venation, body proportions, and
- Other OphioninaeMost are and lack the bright orange/red wing coloration; distinguished by activity and distinctive wing pattern
- Thyreodon speciesClosely related with similar appearance; identification requires expert examination