Pseudorhyssa
Merrill, 1915
Pseudorhyssa is a of containing cleptoparasitic that exploit the drill shafts of to access . The best-studied species, Pseudorhyssa sternata, parasitizes woodwasps by locating and utilizing holes made by the primary parasitoid Rhyssa persuasoria. Females detect host-infested trees through stimuli in larval , likely associated with symbiotic , and locate specific drill shafts using secretions from the vaginal gland of the primary parasitoid.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pseudorhyssa: //ˌsuː.doʊˈrɪs.sa//
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Habitat
Associated with -infested logs and trees; linked to wood-boring siricid .
Distribution
Recorded from Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE).
Host Associations
- Siricid woodwasps - of ; ultimate host exploited by
- Rhyssa persuasoria - ; drill shafts exploited by Pseudorhyssa sternata females
Life Cycle
Cleptoparasitic lifestyle involves exploiting existing drill shafts made by rather than creating original access points to .
Behavior
Females observe Rhyssa persuasoria making drill shafts, then locate the shaft after the primary withdraws and insert their to access the . Can locate drill shafts aged 1–38 days. is stimulated by paper drilled by R. persuasoria, enhanced by wet or symbiotic .
Ecological Role
in woodwasp systems; occupies a in wood-boring .