Cryptinae
Guides
Agonocryptus
Agonocryptus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, established by Cushman in 1929. The genus occurs exclusively in the Neotropical region. A 2022 taxonomic revision significantly expanded known distributions, adding 115 new records across 16 species and increasing documented localities by nearly 70%. The genus exhibits notable morphological variation among species, with elevation preferences varying across taxa.
Agonocryptus discoidaloides
Agonocryptus discoidaloides is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the subfamily Cryptinae. Originally described as a subspecies by Viereck in 1905, it was elevated to species rank (stat. nov.) by Supeleto & Aguiar in 2022. The first published images of males were published in 2022, documenting both typical morphology and morphological variation within the species. It is one of 16 Agonocryptus species for which distribution records were substantially expanded in a 2022 taxonomic revision.
Agrothereutina
Agrothereutina is a subtribe of ichneumonid wasps within the subfamily Cryptinae, tribe Phygadeuontini. Members are parasitoid wasps, likely targeting concealed hosts such as pupae or larvae of other insects. The subtribe is represented by thousands of observations, indicating relatively common occurrence in suitable habitats. As with most cryptine ichneumonids, species in this subtribe are generally small to medium-sized with slender bodies and long antennae.
Apsilops
Apsilops is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, containing approximately nine described species. Members are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented associations including aquatic crambid moths and rice pests. The genus includes both aquatic and terrestrial species, reflecting diverse habitat specializations among its members.
Cryptanura
Cryptanura is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, containing at least 38 species in North America. These wasps are parasitoids of other insects, with documented hosts including longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). The genus includes species that serve as models for Batesian mimicry by phytophagous bugs. At least 30 species occur in Mexico, with the genus distributed from North America through Central America to South America.
Cryptopimpla amblipennis
Cryptopimpla amblipennis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Cryptinae. Members of the genus Cryptopimpla are parasitoid wasps, and this species is presumed to share this biology, though specific host associations for C. amblipennis remain undocumented. The species was described in the early 20th century based on morphological characteristics. It represents one of many poorly studied species within a large and taxonomically complex family.
Messatoporus
Messatoporus is a large New World genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, comprising 89 valid species. The genus is monophyletic and distinguished by a unique combination of morphological synapomorphies including specialized mandible structure and propodeal features. Species exhibit a morphological gradient from forms resembling other Osprynchotina to a highly derived morphotype with convergent traits similar to Gabuniina, interpreted as adaptations for locating and accessing deeply concealed hosts.
Messatoporus rufiventris
Messatoporus rufiventris Cushman, 1929 is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Cryptinae. It was originally described as a valid species but has been synonymized under Messatoporus discoidalis (Cresson) based on a 2013 revision of the genus. The genus Messatoporus is a large New World group containing 89 recognized species, characterized by distinctive morphological features including a long tapered mandible with reduced ventral tooth and a specialized ovipositor structure. No specific biological or ecological data has been documented for M. rufiventris itself.
Polytribax
Polytribax is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae containing approximately 15 described species. Members are parasitoids of Lepidoptera pupae, with females adapted for ground-level foraging in leaf litter and soil. The genus exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, particularly pronounced in Polytribax perspicillator. Species are distributed across the Western Palaearctic with records extending to the Oriental and Nearctic realms.
Stenarella
Stenarella is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, subtribe Osprynchotina. The genus is monophyletic and distributed across the Old World, with three major biogeographic clades corresponding to the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Oriental–Australasian regions. Eighteen species are currently recognized, twelve described as new in a 2025 phylogenomic revision. Species are ectoparasitoids of aculeate Hymenoptera that construct nests using mud or earth.
Stenarella domator
Stenarella domator is a western Palaearctic ichneumonid wasp recently introduced to the Nearctic region. It belongs to the subtribe Osprynchotina within the subfamily Cryptinae. The species is an ectoparasitoid that targets aculeate Hymenoptera nesting in mud or earth substrates. Its establishment in North America represents a notable range expansion for this parasitoid lineage.
Trychosis sulcata
Trychosis sulcata is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Townes in 1962. The genus Trychosis belongs to the subfamily Cryptinae, a diverse group of koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack concealed larvae of Lepidoptera and other insects. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only three records documented on iNaturalist as of the source date. The specific epithet 'sulcata' refers to grooved or furrowed sculpturing, likely describing some aspect of the species' morphology.