Oethecoctonus
Ashmead, 1893
Oethecoctonus is a of small in the , established by Ashmead in 1893. The genus contains approximately six described distributed worldwide. In North America, three species are recognized: O. oecanthi (the species), O. ophrynopus, and O. pleuralis. Members of this genus are known to be parasitoids of .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oethecoctonus: /ˌiː.θɛkˈɒk.toʊ.nəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Oethecoctonus can be distinguished from related by the generic provided in taxonomic revisions, though specific morphological characters are not detailed in available sources. A to North has been published. For accurate identification, reference to the original taxonomic revision is necessary.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution with confirmed records in North America. The includes described from various regions: O. insularis and O. laticinctus (described by Ashmead, 1894, likely Caribbean or associated islands based on epithet), O. oecanthi (North America), O. rufus (described by Kieffer, 1910), and O. ophrynopus and O. pleuralis (North species described by Masner, 1983).
Host Associations
- Orthoptera - of O. oecanthi specifically associated with of (Oecanthus spp.)
Ecological Role
of , contributing to of and related .
Similar Taxa
- Other Scelionidae generaOethecoctonus belongs to a diverse of small with similar body plans; generic-level identification requires examination of specific morphological characters detailed in taxonomic .
More Details
Taxonomic history
The placement has been subject to revision; sources variously place Oethecoctonus in (current ) or (older or alternative classification). The was revised for North America by Masner in 1983, who described two new (O. ophrynopus and O. pleuralis) and redescribed the species O. oecanthi.
Etymology
The name and the epithet 'oecanthi' reflect the association with Oecanthus (), indicating long-recognized .