Zatypota anomala

(Holmgren, 1860)

Zatypota anomala is a koinobiont ichneumonid in the tribe Ephialtini that parasitizes mesh web weaving spiders in the Dictynidae. It is strictly specialized on Dictyna and Nigma spiders in Europe, with a distribution concentrated at mid-elevations in central European forest . The exhibits elevation-dependent partitioning, parasitizing Nigma at lower elevations (179–254 m a.s.l.) and Dictyna at higher elevations (361–870 m a.s.l.). First recorded from Italy in 2022, parasitizing Dictyna pusilla.

Zatypota anomala by (c) jcowles, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by jcowles. Used under a CC-BY license.

Adult female Zatypota anomala (RMNH.INS.593866) - BDJ.1.e992 by Miller, J. A.; Belgers, J. D. M.; Beentjes, K. K.; Zwakhals, K.; van Helsdingen, P.. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Zatypota anomala (RMNH.INS.593866) undergoing metamorphosis in the field - BDJ.1.e992 by Miller, J. A.; Belgers, J. D. M.; Beentjes, K. K.; Zwakhals, K.; van Helsdingen, P.. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zatypota anomala: /zəˈtɪpoʊtə əˈnɒmələ/

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Identification

Small ichneumonid ; specific morphological features for field identification are not documented in available sources. Distinguished from other Zatypota by associations and distribution patterns.

Images

Habitat

Forest in central Europe, occurring across an elevation gradient from 179–870 m a.s.l. with highest abundance at mid-elevations ( 712 m a.s.l.).

Distribution

Central Europe (primary range); first recorded from Italy in 2022. Elevation range 179–870 m a.s.l., most abundant at mid-elevations. GBIF records indicate presence in Canada (Alberta: Edmonton, Wagner Natural Area), Norway, and Sweden, though European records represent the core documented distribution.

Seasonality

active in spring and summer following as larvae on . Female oviposition occurs in autumn; offspring overwinter as larvae, reach adulthood in spring, and pass summer as adults.

Host Associations

Dictyna arundinacea - First recorded
Dictyna uncinata - First recorded
Dictyna pusilla - First Italian record, 2022
Nigma flavescens - First recorded ; Nigma first recorded as host
Nigma walckenaeri - First recorded ; Nigma first recorded as host

Life Cycle

synchronized with spiders. Females oviposit in autumn; larvae overwinter on the host, complete development during spring, and emerge to pass summer in reproductive . Strong preference for instars of hosts.

Behavior

Koinobiont ectoparasitoid that allows to continue developing after . Exhibits elevation-dependent host partitioning: Nigma parasitized at lower elevations, Dictyna at higher elevations despite overlapping spider distributions. Strongly prefers spider instars over .

Ecological Role

regulating of mesh web weaving spiders (Dictynidae). Contributes to spider in forest .