Thyreodon
Brullé, 1846
Thyreodon is a of parasitic in the , first described by Brullé in 1846. Members of this genus are that attack , particularly those of (). The genus is part of the Thyreodon genus-group, with distributed across the Americas from the southwestern United States through Central America. Rican species have been subject to dedicated systematic study.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thyreodon: /ˌθaɪrəˈdoʊn/
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Images
Distribution
Recorded from Vermont and elsewhere in the United States, Mexico, Central America (including Rica), Nicaragua, and Ecuador.
Host Associations
- Manduca sexta - ;
- Manduca quinquemaculata -
Life Cycle
development: are laid in young , which continue to grow while the develops internally. The larva delays intensive feeding until the host nears , destroying it before pupation occurs. The wasp larva then spins a dense silken in the soil within the host's pupal chamber.
Behavior
Day-active (), unlike most Ophioninae which are . have been observed visiting flowers for nectar. May hang motionless from vegetation when resting.
Ecological Role
agent of , which are agricultural pests (e.g., and ).
Human Relevance
Potential agent for pest affecting , tomato, and other solanaceous .
Similar Taxa
- RhynchophionClosely related in the same tribe (Enicospilini); historically confused with Thyreodon in the southwestern United States
- Ophioninae (general)Most Ophioninae are , whereas Thyreodon are