Sphingidae-parasite
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.
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.