Oethecoctonus

Ashmead, 1893

Species Guides

1

Oethecoctonus is a of small in the Scelionidae, established by Ashmead in 1893. The genus contains approximately six described distributed worldwide. In North America, three species are recognized: O. oecanthi (the type species), O. ophrynopus, and O. pleuralis. Members of this genus are known to be parasitoids of orthopteran .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oethecoctonus: /ˌiː.θɛkˈɒk.toʊ.nəs/

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Identification

Oethecoctonus can be distinguished from related scelionid by the generic provided in taxonomic revisions, though specific morphological characters are not detailed in available sources. A key to North American 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 American species described by Masner, 1983).

Host Associations

Ecological Role

of orthopterans, contributing to of crickets and related insects.

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 keys.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The placement has been subject to revision; sources variously place Oethecoctonus in Scelionidae (current classification) or Platygastridae (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 type species O. oecanthi.

Etymology

The name and the epithet 'oecanthi' reflect the association with Oecanthus (tree crickets), indicating long-recognized specificity.

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Sources and further reading