Ephialtini
Ephialtini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Ichneumonidae
- Subfamily: Pimplinae
- Tribe: Ephialtini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ephialtini: /ɛfiˈæltɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Ephialtini is a diverse and unresolved tribe within the Ichneumonidae family, comprising 53 genera and over 120 species, primarily functioning as ectoparasitoids of several insect orders.
Physical Characteristics
Unresolved tribe of ichneumon wasps with notable wing venation.
Identification Tips
Look for distinctive wing structures and body shapes common in ichneumonids.
Habitat
Worldwide, with a significant presence in various ecosystems including forests and grasslands.
Distribution
Global distribution with a notable concentration of species in North America, particularly north of Mexico.
Diet
Larvae are external parasitoids of holometabolous insect larvae, prepupae, and pupae, with some genera parasitizing adult spiders.
Life Cycle
Typical life cycle includes egg-laying on or in host insects, where larvae develop, feeding on the host.
Reproduction
Females typically paralyze or kill the host before laying eggs on or inside it.
Predators
Potential natural predators may include birds and larger insects.
Ecosystem Role
As parasitoids, they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations within their ecosystems.
Collecting Methods
- NETTING
- TRAP SAMPLING
- HOST SURVEY
Preservation Methods
- SPECIMEN DRYING
- ALCOHOL PRESERVATION
- FREEZING
Similar Taxa
- Polysphinctini
- Pimplinae
Misconceptions
Often confused with other parasite wasps; however, they have specific host preferences and behaviors.
Tags
- Hymenoptera
- Parasitoid Wasps
- Ephialtini
- Biodiversity