Biology:Heteropelma

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Short description: Genus of wasps

Heteropelma
Heteropelma.megarthrum2.-.lindsey.jpg
Heteropelma megarthrum
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Ichneumonidae
Tribe: Gravenhorstiini
Genus: Heteropelma
Wesmael, 1849

Heteropelma is a genus of parasitoid wasps belonging to the family Ichneumonidae.[1] Species in this genus are around 25 mm in length.[2]

Reproduction

Heteropelma adults lay their eggs inside Lepidopteran larvae (i.e. caterpillars) by piercing them with their ovipositor. Heteropelma eggs consist of an equatorial disc and a caudal stalk, making them look a bit like the cartoon oil lamp from Aladdin. It's thought that the shape is adapted to attach the egg to the inside of the caterpillar's integument.[3] Once the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the caterpillar from the inside. They emerge from the deceased caterpillar as adults.[2]

Species

  • Heteropelma amictum
  • Heteropelma fulvitarse
  • Heteropelma megarthrum
  • Heteropelma signatum
  • Heteropelma szepligetii

References

Wikidata ☰ Q14516429 entry