Pimpla
Pimpla
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Ichneumonidae
- Subfamily: Pimplinae
- Tribe: Pimplini
- Genus: Pimpla
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pimpla: //ˈpɪm.plə//
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Summary
Pimpla is a genus of wasps in the Ichneumonidae family, known for their role as parasitoids of butterfly and moth larvae, with species like Pimpla rufipes being common across Europe and Asia.
Physical Characteristics
Pimpla rufipes can reach a length of about 15 mm (0.59 in) with a slender body, generally black with bright orange legs. Hind legs larger than other pairs; females possess a straight, short, and thick ovipositor, while males do not have an ovipositor.
Identification Tips
Distinguished by the slender black body with orange legs and the straight ovipositor in females. It may be mistaken for Apechthis compunctor, but the ovipositor shape is the key difference.
Habitat
Inhabits hedgerows and vegetated areas.
Distribution
Found in Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, with specific presence in numerous countries including France, Germany, Italy, and the UK.
Diet
Larvae feed on the hosts that have been parasitized, such as the tomato moth (Lacanobia oleracea), while adults primarily feed on flowers.
Life Cycle
Pimpla rufipes is an idiobont endoparasitoid, going through five larval stages, with the first instar being particularly large. Each instar lasts about 24 hours, except for the last instar which lasts around 9 days.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in hosts such as butterfly and moth larvae, and they condition their hosts using venom during oviposition.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a parasitoid, regulating populations of butterfly and moth larvae.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Hymenoptera
- parasitoid wasp
- Pimpla rufipes
- Ichneumonidae