Schlettererius cinctipes

Cresson, 1880

Schlettererius cinctipes is a in the , to western North America and recently to the eastern United States. It parasitizes wood-boring , with documented success in programs against Sirex noctilio in pine plantations. The possesses an elongated adapted for reaching deep within timber.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schlettererius cinctipes: //ʃlɛtəˈrɪəriəs ˈsɪŋktɪˌpiːz//

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Habitat

Pine forests and timber containing wood-boring ; specifically documented in Pinus radiata logs infested by Sirex noctilio.

Distribution

Western North America ( range); to Kentucky and Virginia (eastern United States) via separate west-to-east . Distribution records include Canada (British Columbia) and South Africa (presence noted).

Seasonality

emerge in late September and early October (Tasmania ). Females begin 12–24 days after .

Diet

feeds internally on tissues of larvae; specifically documented on Sirex noctilio. diet not specified.

Host Associations

  • Sirex noctilio - primary woodwasp pest of Pinus radiata
  • Coleoptera - putative reputed association per historical literature

Life Cycle

deposited on surface of ; hatches in approximately 14 days. Larva consumes host over 6–7 weeks, completely destroying it. Development occurs within host larva.

Behavior

Females use long to detect in wood. Host-seeking oriented toward pine logs containing suitable larvae. inserted to reach hosts at depths up to 3.4 cm from bark surface. Does not attack Sirex larvae already parasitized by Ibalia leucospoides or fully-fed larvae of Rhyssa persuasoria.

Ecological Role

agent regulating of wood-boring , particularly Sirex noctilio in pine plantations. Member of complex in managed forest .

Human Relevance

Evaluated for of Sirex noctilio, a significant pest of Pinus radiata in commercial forestry. Successfully established in Tasmania from California stock in 1963.

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