braconid wasps

Agathidinae is a subfamily of braconid wasps. There are about 2,000 species in 52 genera in 6 tribes worldwide, about 100 species in 8 genera in 4 tribes in North America north of Mexico, and at least 17 species in at least 5 genera in 3 tribes in Minnesota.

Agathidinae are parasitic wasps. Most species are solitary, and most are active during the day, though one tribe (Disophrini) has enlarged simple eyes (ocelli) and is active at night.

Agathidinae prey on caterpillars of moths and butterflies. The female injects an egg into the caterpillar using her long ovipositor. When the egg hatches, the wasp larva develops slowly, not killing the host until the host is in its final instar and has spun its cocoon. Some species have been used as biological control of agricultural and horticultural pests.

Agathidinae are relatively large and colorful wasps. Day flying species are often colorful, a warning to potential predators to avoid them. Night flying species are often pale.

There is no ridge (occipital carina) on the back of the head. On the forewing the M+CU is not tubular in the basal third or more. On most genera, the RS vein terminates at the wing margin far before the wingtip. On most species the second submarginal cell is present. When present, it is small and usually triangular, sometimes squarish.

Sources

24, 27, 30, 82.

Location: Woodbury, MN