Tiphia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Tiphioidea
Family: Tiphiidae
Subfamily: Tiphiinae
Genus: Tiphia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tiphia: /ˈtɪfiə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Tiphia wolcotti by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tiphia frater by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tiphia micropuntata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Tiphia s-quarta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Tiphia is a genus of wasps in the family Tiphiidae known for their role in controlling beetle populations, particularly in agricultural settings. They exhibit distinctive physical traits that differentiate them from similar wasp genera and have a significant ecological role as predators of scarab beetle larvae.

Physical Characteristics

Forewings lack the long sclerotized vein that bisects the first cubital cell. The oral area is broad with a polished triangular area below the mandible base. Males have a lateral margin of the 6th sternum which is not deeply notched, while females have terga and sterna without terminal polished, impunctate, ribbon-like bands.

Identification Tips

Look for the absence of the long sclerotized vein in the forewings, which distinguishes them from similar genera such as Paratiphia and Epomidiopteron.

Habitat

Primarily found in soil environments, interacting with soil-inhabiting beetle larvae.

Distribution

Transcontinental; dominant genus east of 100°W in North America.

Diet

Feed on soil-inhabiting scarab beetle larvae, including those of the Japanese beetle and oriental beetle.

Life Cycle

The life cycle specifics are not detailed, but they involve interactions with beetle larvae, which are preyed upon.

Reproduction

Details about reproduction are not explicitly mentioned; typically involves laying eggs on or near beetle larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a biological control agent for certain beetle populations.

Economic Impact

Introduced as a biological control measure for the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), impacting horticulture and agriculture positively.

Evolution

Part of the family Tiphiidae, subfamily Tiphiinae, with approximately 100 species in the specified area.