Genus Arotes

Classification · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Size · Identification · Range · Habitat · Season · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Large black-and-white wasp - Arotes - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)

No Taxon (parasitic Apocrita)

Superfamily Ichneumonoidea (Braconids and Ichneumons)

Family Ichneumonidae (Ichneumon Wasps)

Subfamily Acaenitinae

Genus Arotes

Explanation of Names

Author of genus is Gravenhorst 1829.

Numbers

Nearctica.com lists four species: amoenus, decorus, maurus and melleus.

Size

Body length of female: 15 mm, 20 mm (with ovipositor)--specimen measured in Durham, North Carolina

Identification

A group of boldly-patterned, medium-sized ichneumons. See photos.

Black and yellow coloration, long ovipositor, dorsoventrally depressed abdomen with apical portion laterally compressed, the first tergite narrowed anteriorly and broadened posteriorly and apical dark wing spots.

Range

Includes northeastern North America. Noted from North Carolina, Minnesota, New England, New Brunswick (references and guide photos). Genus also found in Eurasia (Internet searches).

Habitat

Forests

Season

Typically May-June (North Carolina)

Print References

Brimley, p. 410, lists for North Carolina: A. amoenus (mountains, May, June), A. occiputalis (Piedmont, June) (1).

Internet References

Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota: Arotes (mellus?).

North Carolina State University Entomology Collection lists for that state: amoenus (12 specimens), decorus (10 specimens).

Hymenoptera Online Database

Works Cited

1.	Insects of North Carolina By C.S. Brimley

Contributed by tom murray on 5 July, 2005 - 7:14pm
Additional contributions by cotinis, Beatriz Moisset
Last updated 28 September, 2009 - 10:29am

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