Odontocolon albotibiale
(Bradley, 1918)
Odontocolon albotibiale is a of ichneumon in the Xoridinae. The Odontocolon comprises 23 species north of Mexico, several with holarctic distributions. Members of this genus are recognized by teeth on the hind and are of wood-boring beetles. Females possess long ovipositors for drilling into wood to reach , while males lack this structure.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Odontocolon albotibiale: /ˌoʊˌdɒntoʊˈkoʊlən ælboʊˈtɪbiˌæli/
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Identification
Odontocolon albotibiale can be distinguished from other ichneumon wasps by the teeth on the hind , a diagnostic feature of the . Females have long ovipositors; males lack them. Specific identification to level requires expert examination.
Habitat
Dead and dying trees, particularly in forested areas where wood-boring beetles are present.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution reported for several in the ; specific range for O. albotibiale not separately documented.
Seasonality
Autumn activity has been observed for the , coinciding with availability of wood-boring in deadfall.
Life Cycle
Females lay on living or pupae inside wood. The larva hatches and lives as an external on the , consuming it as the host matures. The emerges from the host's pupa.
Behavior
Females use their long ovipositors to drill into wood to reach . have been observed ignoring exposed in favor of those concealed in wood, suggesting selectivity for hosts with suitable development time remaining.
Ecological Role
of wood-boring beetles (Cerambycidae). Helps regulate of these beetles in forest .
Similar Taxa
- MegarhyssaBoth are ichneumon wasps parasitic on wood-boring insects with long ovipositors, but Megarhyssa are notably larger and more spectacular in appearance.
- Other Odontocolon speciesShare the diagnostic teeth on hind and similar ; -level identification requires expert examination.