Gelis tenellus

(Say, 1835)

Gelis tenellus is a hyperparasitoid in the Ichneumonidae. It attacks Apanteles melanoscelus, a braconid of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), placing it at the fourth in forest . The exhibits sophisticated discrimination , capable of distinguishing between parasitized and unparasitized host larvae. Females locate host cocoons on tree trunks and use their elongated ovipositors to drill through cocoon walls to deposit . The species undergoes induced by and temperature cues, an for seasonal survival.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gelis tenellus: //ˈɡɛ.lɪs tɛˈnɛl.ləs//

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Habitat

Associated with tree trunks where cocoons of Apanteles melanoscelus are located; linked to gypsy moth in forest .

Distribution

Recorded from Swan River, Canada; Winnipeg, Canada; and Hawaii, United States.

Host Associations

Behavior

Females exhibit discrimination, preferentially attacking cocoons containing A. melanoscelus over unparasitized hosts. Searching is concentrated on tree trunks where host cocoons occur. Host assessment involves antennal tapping, drilling attempts with the ovipositor, and extended time investment on suitable hosts. Oviposition requires drilling through the host cocoon wall. The undergoes , with induction triggered by and temperature environmental cues.

Ecological Role

Hyperparasitoid functioning as a fourth consumer, attacking a primary of an herbivorous insect. This trophic position contributes to complex dynamics in forest and may influence of gypsy moth through effects on its primary parasitoid.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Cryptus tenellus by Say in 1835, later transferred to Gelis. NCBI lists authority as (Say, 1836), reflecting minor discrepancies in citation dating.

Research significance

Studied as a model for hyperparasitoid discrimination and physiology, contributing to understanding of multitrophic interactions in systems.

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