The Rogadinae are a large subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps. Several Rogadinae species parasitize pest caterpillars and are important for naturally occurring biological control.

Rogadinae
Aleiodes indiscretus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Braconidae
Subfamily: Rogadinae
Yelicones delicatus
Aleiodes

Description and distribution

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Rogadinae are small wasps, usually under 8mm long. They are cyclostomes and usually have a medial ridge on the abdomen. They are found worldwide. The cosmopolitan genus Aleiodes, Old World genus Rogas, and New World genus Triraphis are by far the most common and species rich.

Biology

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Rogadinae are koinobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidopteran larvae. Females oviposit into host larvae. The host is allowed to develop as the wasp larvae feeds internally on its tissues. Rogadines are unique among braconids in that their host caterpillar is eventually reduced to a mummified husk. The wasp larva then pupate within the mummy. Host mummies are distinctive and can be used to identify the species. Many Rogadinae are nocturnal as adults.[1]

Selected genera

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These genera belong to the subfamily Rogadinae:

Data sources: i = ITIS,[2] c = Catalogue of Life,[3] g = GBIF,[4] b = Bugguide.net[5]

References

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  1. ^ Wharton, Robert A.; Marsh, Paul M.; Sharkey, Michael J. (1997). Manual of the New World Genera of the Family Braconidae (Hymenoptera). Washington DC: The International Society of Hymenopterists.
  2. ^ "ITIS, Integrated Taxonomic Information System". Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  3. ^ "Catalogue of Life". Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  4. ^ "GBIF". Retrieved 2018-05-16.
  5. ^ "Rogadinae Subfamily Information". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 2018-05-16.
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