Pimplinae
Pimplinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Ichneumonidae
- Subfamily: Pimplinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pimplinae: //pɪmˈpliːnaɪ//
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Images
Summary
Pimplinae are a notable subfamily of parasitic wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, recognized for their roles as parasitoids of various holometabolous insects and spiders. They exhibit distinct morphological traits that aid in their lifecycle and reproductive strategies.
Physical Characteristics
Sturdy black insects with orange markings; cylindrically depressed abdomen and thick tibial spurs, with an exerted ovipositor in females. The first tergite is box-like with the spiracle anterior to the middle.
Identification Tips
Flagellum not flattened; length of apical flagellomere subequal to preceding flagellomere; head with supraclypeal area not produced at level of antennal sockets; labrum not projecting below clypeal margin; clypeus usually with basal convexity and thin apical margin; female hypopygium smaller and shorter, not projecting beyond metasomal apex.
Habitat
Typically found in environments where their hosts (holometabolous insects, particularly the pupae of Lepidoptera, and spider egg sacs) are present.
Distribution
Worldwide, with 180 species in 28 genera reported north of Mexico.
Diet
Parasitoids of Holometabola insects, often targeting the pupae of Lepidoptera. Some species also parasitize egg sacs and adults of spiders.
Life Cycle
Females perforate silk egg sacs to lay eggs directly on the surface of the contained eggs. The larvae feed externally on the eggs after hatching, usually killing the majority of the eggs in the process.
Reproduction
Ovipositor used by females to lay eggs on host eggs; often shaped and structured to facilitate this process.
Ecosystem Role
Act as natural pest controllers by parasitizing the immature stages of various insects, particularly Lepidoptera.
Collecting Methods
- Gentle net collection from host areas
- Use of sweep nets in meadows and fields
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinning for dry specimens
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse them with other wasps; however, their unique morphology and behavior as parasitoids distinguish them.
Tags
- Pimplinae
- Ichneumonidae
- parasitic wasps
- holometabolous
- Lepidoptera