Olixon melinsula
Lohrmann, Fox, Solis & Krogmann, 2012
Olixon melinsula is a of parasitic wasp in the Rhopalosomatidae, described in 2012 from specimens collected in the southern United States. It belongs to a of whose larvae are ectoparasitoids of crickets. The species is known from a small number of records in Florida, Louisiana, Paraguay, and Texas.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Olixon melinsula: /oʊˈlɪksɒn mɛˈlɪnsələ/
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Identification
Olixon melinsula can be distinguished from by subtle morphological features of the male genitalia and wing venation patterns described in the original description. Members of Olixon are generally recognized by their slender bodies, long , reduced wing venation with few closed , and the presence of a distinct petiole. Species-level identification requires examination of microscopic characters.
Images
Distribution
United States (Florida, Louisiana, Texas) and Paraguay. The disjunct distribution pattern between North and South America is characteristic of several Olixon .
Host Associations
Behavior
are and have been collected at light traps. This is consistent with the but has not been specifically documented for O. melinsula.
Ecological Role
As a of crickets, contributes to of orthopteran .
Similar Taxa
- Olixon banksiiOverlapping distribution in the southern United States; distinguished by male genitalia and wing venation details.
- Olixon testaceumSimilar overall ; O. melinsula was described partly based on comparison with this widespread Neotropical .
More Details
Original Description
The was described in 2012 by Lohrmann, Fox, Solis & Krogmann based on specimens from the United States and Paraguay, making it one of the more recently described members of this poorly known .