Sparasion
Latreille, 1802
Sparasion is a of endoparasitoid in the Sparasionidae (superfamily Platygastroidea). The genus contains 141 described that are endoparasitoids of Tettigoniidae (katydids and bush-crickets). Species occur across the Nearctic, Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions, with notable diversity in India and tropical Asia. Two distinct species groups have been recognized in the Oriental region based on size, coloration, and .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sparasion: /spæˈreɪʒiˌɒn/
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Identification
Oriental fall into two distinct groups: the S. bilahari group (2.1–3.5 mm, yellow/orange-brown to black, 2–3 transverse ledges on upper , genal carina present) and the S. manavati group (5.2–9 mm, steel blue to green, single transverse ledge on upper frons, genal carina absent). Intrasexual colour morphs occur among females. Specific identification requires examination of sculpturing, body size, and coloration.
Habitat
Wet tropical and subtropical forests support relatively higher . The occurs in almost all except polar regions.
Distribution
Nearctic, Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. Absent from the Neotropics and Australasia. Oriental region records include India (25 ), Pakistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Sumatra, Philippines, and China. Scandinavian records (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) indicate Palearctic distribution.
Host Associations
- Tettigoniidae - endoparasitoidDevelopment occurs within /bush-
Life Cycle
Endoparasitoid development within Tettigoniidae .
Behavior
Intrasexual colour morphs have been documented among females.
Ecological Role
of Tettigoniidae, contributing to of katydids and bush-crickets.
More Details
Taxonomic history
placement has varied: treated as Sparasionidae in recent literature, but historically classified in Scelionidae or Platygastridae. Catalogue of Life and NCBI currently list Scelionidae; iNaturalist and recent taxonomic revisions recognize Sparasionidae.
Species diversity
The Oriental fauna expanded from 13 to 36 following a 2023 revision, with 24 new species described from India alone. Two new species groups were proposed to accommodate this diversity.