Spring Tiphiid Wasp

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tiphia vernalis: /ˈtɪ.fi.a vɛrˈna.lɪs/

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Summary

Tiphia vernalis, commonly known as the Spring Tiphia Wasp, is a species of wasp introduced to North America for biological control of the Japanese beetle. It is recognized for its distinctive male and female morphologies and plays a role in controlling beetle populations.

Physical Characteristics

The male is identified by an impunctate and polished stripe along the middle of sternite 6, which widens at the posterior and has white setae along the sides. The female is characterized by 2-3 short and indistinct longitudinal grooves on the middle of the pronotum.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive polished stripe on the male's sternite 6 and the grooves on the female's pronotum.

Habitat

Native to eastern Asia and adventive in North America; established in northeastern United States.

Distribution

Established in northeastern US, from New Hampshire south to North Carolina, and west to Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Diet

Adults feed on honeydew; they are parasitoids and feed on soil-inhabiting scarab beetle larvae in their larval stage.

Life Cycle

Active from May to early June in its life cycle.

Reproduction

Details on mating and oviposition are not specified.

Ecosystem Role

Predator of scarab beetle larvae, thus acting as a control measure for certain pest species.

Economic Impact

Used as a biocontrol agent against Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle) and Anomala orientalis (oriental beetle).

Evolution

Introduced to the United States from Korea and China in 1925 to combat the Japanese beetle.

Similar Taxa

• Tiphia popilliavora

Tags

• Tiphia vernalis
• Spring Tiphia Wasp
• Hymenoptera
• Biocontrol
• Pest management