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