Poemenia
Holmgren, 1859
Poemenia is a of ichneumonid wasps in the Poemeniinae. The genus comprises ectoparasitoids that attack small xylophilous bees () nesting in tunnels or cavities. Larval indicates an ectoparasitoid lifestyle, with the mature larva of Poemenia albipes being the first described for the genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Poemenia: //poʊˈmiːniə//
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Images
Habitat
Woodland and forest containing dead wood, borings, hollow stems, twigs, and vacant galls that serve as nesting sites for bees.
Distribution
Nearctic region; also recorded from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Host Associations
- small xylophilous Apoidea - ectoparasitoidBees that construct tunnels or utilize pre-existing tunnels made by other insects
Life Cycle
Mature larva is ectoparasitic; develops externally on larvae within nest . Two annually reported for at least one Nearctic (P. albipes in Erie County, New York).
Behavior
Female locate nests in pre-existing cavities; lays on or near host larva.
Ecological Role
of solitary bees; control of xylophilous .
Similar Taxa
- OmalusBoth are of cavity-nesting Hymenoptera; Omalus (Chrysididae) is a /parasitoid with metallic coloration, while Poemenia (Ichneumonidae) is an ectoparasitoid with typical ichneumonid .
- other PoemeniinaeShare characteristics; distinguished by -level morphological features and associations.