Zatypota alborhombarta

(Davis, 1895)

Zatypota alborhombarta is an ichneumonid in the Pimplinae and clade Polysphincta. It is a of theridiid , including Cryptachaea jequirituba and Achaearanea tingo. The wasp induces behavioral modification to construct a protective 'cocoon web'—a simplified, reinforced web structure that shelters the developing parasitoid . This manipulation represents a sophisticated host-parasitoid interaction involving the repetition of specific web-building behavioral subroutines.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zatypota alborhombarta: //zəˈtɪpətə ˌælbɔrˈhɒmbɹtə//

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Habitat

Collected in Parque Estadual de Itaúnas, Espírito Santo, Brazil. construct three-dimensional webs in vegetation, with parasitized individuals modifying web architecture using curled leaves as shelters.

Distribution

Brazil: recorded from Espírito Santo (Itaúnas State Park), Minas Gerais, Paraná, and São Paulo states.

Host Associations

Cryptachaea jequirituba - of Second and third larval observed on ; induces cocoon web construction
Achaearanea tingo - Induces simplified cocoon web of two cables attached to vegetation holding curled leaf shelter

Life Cycle

ectoparasitic development on . Second and third larval have been observed on . The remains protected within the host-constructed shelter after killing the host.

Behavior

Induces to construct a 'cocoon web' through behavioral manipulation. In Cryptachaea jequirituba, this involves webs with fewer total threads, reduced percentage of glued threads, increased end-reinforced threads, and enhanced leaf reinforcement. In Achaearanea tingo, the cocoon web consists of two cables attached to vegetation holding a curled leaf shelter. The manipulation appears to involve repetition of specific web-building subroutines rather than mechanisms associated with host or phases.

Ecological Role

that manipulates phenotype to improve its own . The induced cocoon web provides physical and protection against and during the vulnerable pupal stage.