Cheloninae
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Chelonus
Chelonus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Cheloninae. These wasps are internal parasites of moth larvae, particularly those in superfamilies Tortricoidea and Pyraloidea. The genus contains approximately 139 species in North America north of Mexico. Chelonus wasps exhibit a distinctive abdominal structure where the first three dorsal segments are fused into a single plate, making them relatively easy to identify among braconids.
Phanerotoma
Phanerotoma is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Cheloninae, with at least 190 described species. Species within this genus are primarily larval or ovo-larval parasitoids of Lepidoptera, particularly moths in families Pyralidae, Gracillariidae, and Olethreutidae. Several species have been studied for their potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests, including stored product pests and crop pests on cowpea, citrus, pecan, and litchi. The genus exhibits host-specificity at the species level, with different Phanerotoma species attacking distinct host groups.
Pseudophanerotoma
A genus of solitary endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Cheloninae. Species are known to parasitize tortricid moths, including agricultural pests. The genus occurs from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to South America (Brazil, Peru, French Guiana). At least four species have been described: P. huichol (Mexico), P. austini (Guatemala), P. paranaensis (Brazil, French Guiana), and P. thapsina (Texas, French Guiana).