The Cardiochilinae are a
subfamily
In biological classification, a subfamily (Latin: ', plural ') is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end subfamily botanical names with "-oideae", and zoologi ...
of
braconid parasitoid wasps. This subfamily has been treated as a tribe of
Microgastrinae in the past. Some species including ''Toxoneuron nigriceps'' have been used in
biocontrol programs.
Description and distribution
Cardiochilines are non-cyclostome braconids with a similar appearance to Microgastrines. They possess the r-m vein of the forewing and have more than 16 flagellomeres.
Cardiochilines can be found worldwide.
Biology
Cardiochilinae are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids of
caterpillars. Female Cardiochilinae inject a
polydnavirus into the host during
oviposition
The ovipositor is a tube-like organ used by some animals, especially insects, for the laying of eggs. In insects, an ovipositor consists of a maximum of three pairs of appendages. The details and morphology of the ovipositor vary, but typical ...
.
References
External links
Photos on BugGuideDNA barcodes at BOLD systems
Braconidae
Apocrita subfamilies
{{Ichneumonoidea-stub