Enicospilini
Guides
Rhynchophion
Rhynchophion is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Ophioninae. The genus contains only three known species, with Rhynchophion flammipennis being the most documented. These wasps exhibit striking coloration—black or metallic blue bodies with bright orange or red wings—resembling tarantula hawks (Pepsis spp.), which may represent Müllerian mimicry given that Ophioninae can sting in self-defense using their short, sharp ovipositors. Unlike most nocturnal Ophioninae, Rhynchophion species are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar.
Rhynchophion flammipennis
Rhynchophion flammipennis is a large ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, notable for its striking coloration resembling tarantula hawks—black or metallic blue body with bright orange or red wings. Unlike most nocturnal Ophioninae, this species is diurnal and visits flowers for nectar. It is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of sphinx moth caterpillars, with the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta) documented as a host. The wasp possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting used in self-defense.
Rhynchophion woodi
Rhynchophion woodi is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Gauld in 2004. The genus Rhynchophion contains only three known species, most of which are tropical. Members of this genus are diurnal and have been observed visiting flowers for nectar. Like other Ophioninae, this species possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting in self-defense.
Thyreodon
Thyreodon is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Brullé in 1846. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack caterpillars, particularly those of sphinx moths (Sphingidae). The genus is part of the Thyreodon genus-group, with species distributed across the Americas from the southwestern United States through Central America. Costa Rican species have been subject to dedicated systematic study.
Thyreodon apricus
Thyreodon apricus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Porter in 1984. The genus Thyreodon belongs to the tribe Enicospilini, a group of primarily tropical wasps. Members of Ophioninae are known for their ability to sting using their short, sharp ovipositors for defense. This species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Very little is known about its specific biology, and it has been subject to taxonomic confusion with similar large, colorful ichneumon wasps.