Rhyssa howdenorum

Townes, 1960

Rhyssa howdenorum is an ichneumonid that parasitizes Sirex nigricornis, a siricid woodwasp pest of pine trees. It was described by Townes in 1960 and has been studied in central Louisiana pine plantations. The has a single per year, with emerging from infested loblolly pine logs between mid-August and early November. It serves as a agent against its , which damages pine timber.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhyssa howdenorum: //ˈrɪsə ˌhaʊdɛˈnɔːrəm//

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Habitat

Pine plantations; specifically loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) logs infested with Sirex nigricornis. Study sites were located in Rapides Parish, central Louisiana.

Distribution

Central Louisiana, USA (documented from Rapides Parish); broader distribution beyond this region is not established in available sources.

Seasonality

occurs between mid-August and early November, with peak emergence in late September. period extends from late August through November, with peak activity in late September to early October.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

(single per year). Larval development occurs within larvae inside pine wood. emerge from host-infested logs over a protracted period of approximately 2.5 months.

Behavior

Males emerge and initiate earlier than females. and flight activity show protracted timing with distinct peaks in late September to early October.

Ecological Role

agent of Sirex nigricornis, a pest that damages pine trees and timber.

Human Relevance

Contributes to natural suppression of Sirex nigricornis in pine plantations, potentially reducing economic damage to timber resources.

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