Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Genera were formerly considered as a part of Xoridinae
(1) until split into a separate subfamily
Numbers
The only genus of tribe Labenini in our area.
(2)Size
Fore wing 6.5 to 19 mm (7.3-18 mm
L. grallator, 10.0-16.5mm
L. tinctipennis)
(1)
Body length often around 15 mm (excluding antennae and ovipositor); females roughly 30mm in total (BG data)
Identification
Labenini is defined among our Labeninae by the labrum being mostly concealed by the clypeus and a single basal hamulus on the hind wing.
Labena is further defined by a deep vertical groove on the hind coxae, flattened apical flagellomere of female, fore wing with 2-Cu > vein 2cu-a, and apical process of tarsomere 3 of female.
(2) Hind coxae are significantly elongate, not much shorter than the femora. Our species also have an ovipositor comparable to the length of the abdomen.
"In photography, members of Labeninae are easily noted for their red bodies with yellow markings, elongated mesoscutum, body length of around 15mm, and orange-yellow ovipositor sheath. Labena are readily separated from their sister genus, Grotea, by their longer ovipositors." - comment by Jon Hoskins
The two species in our area are recognized as follows:
(1)
L. grallator: eastern specimens primarily red, western specimens conspicuously yellow-marked, apical ~0.3 of antennae blackish, ocellar space with a black line connecting the eyes and two oblique yellow spots, wings often conspicuously darkened. Range: eastern US west to Arizona and southern California
L. tinctipennis: body entirely red apart from the lower portion of the face, only apical ~0.16 of antennae blackish, ocellar space unmarked, wings lighter with reddish-brown suffusion and a darkened apex. Range: Arizona, California to British Columbia
Range
US to the Neotropics, Australia
(2)Food
Larvae parasitize xylophagous beetle larvae.
(3)