Zatypota alborhombarta

(Davis, 1895)

Zatypota alborhombarta is an ichneumonid in the Pimplinae and clade Polysphincta. It is a koinobiont of theridiid spiders, 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 larva. 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. spiders 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 - koinobiont of spidersSecond and third larval instars observed on ; induces cocoon web construction
Achaearanea tingo - koinobiont Induces simplified cocoon web of two cables attached to vegetation holding curled leaf shelter

Life Cycle

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

Behavior

Induces spiders 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 stability and protection against and during the vulnerable pupal stage.