Explanation of Names
Ophioninae = from the Greek Ὀφίων (
Ophion), the first of the Titans to rule the world, +
-inae (taxonomic subfamily suffix)
short-tailed = in reference to the short, inconspicuous ovipositors of the females in contrast to the prominent, often long ovipositors found in most other subfamilies. This trait is not, however, unique to this subfamily. Other prominent families include
Diplazontinae,
Eucerotinae,
Ichneumoninae, and
Metopiinae.
Numbers
at least 54 recognized spp. (+ ~33 undescribed) in 7 genera north of Mexico; 32 genera worldwide arranged into 5 genus-groups worldwide
(1)(2)(3)
Overview of our fauna
Subfamily Ophioninae
Tribe Enicospilini
Genus Enicospilus: 23 spp.
Tribe Ophionini
Genus Ophion: 17 spp. (+ ~33 undescribed)
Tribe Thyreodonini
Genus Rhynchophion: 1 (2?) spp.
Tribe incertae sedis
Identification
The following characters will identify most Ophioninae (except for a few
Eremotylus): Cell 3Cu of fore wing with adventitious vein originating at 2/1A, and parallel to wing margin. Cell 1M+1R1 of fore wing often with area below stigma lacking setae (fenestra) and with sclerotized inclusions. Ocelli usually large, with lateral ocelli close to or contiguous with eyes. Abdomen laterally compressed, often with a rounded "knob" between the first and second segments. Ovipositor short, barely extending beyond metasomal apex (with rare exceptions). Tarsal claws usually densely pectinate. Body color usually pale brownish-orange, rarely black or red.
(4)
Comparison of Wing Venation
Enicospilus: forewing r-rs vein sinuous; ramellus always absent; cell 2M short; discosubmarginal cells often with sclerite inclusions
Eremotylus: forewing r-rs vein basally thickened and curved; ramellus absent or nearly so
Ophion: forewing r-rs vein straight and not thickened; ramellus usually present
Rhynchophion: pterostigma narrowed to evanescent; Rs vein centrally straight with a distinct angle with 3rs-m; wings often very brightly pigmented
Simophion: forewing r-rs vein basally thickened and curved; ramellus absent; Rs vein centrally dipped
Thyreodon: pterostigma narrowed to evanescent; r-rs vein sinuous; Rs vein centrally straight with a distinct angle with 3rs-m; wings usually very darkly pigmented throughout
Trophophion: forewing r-rs vein basally thickened and curved; ramellus absent
Habitat
Wide range of habitats. Most species are crepuscular or nocturnal, some diurnal. They are known to come to lights.
Food
Solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids of the larvae of other holometabolous insects, mostly Lepidoptera, although a Nearctic species of
Ophion is known to parasitize a beetle larva
(5); the most usual hosts are moth larvae that feed exposed on vegetation, especially members of Noctuidae, Lasiocampidae, Lymantriidae, Saturniidae, Geometridae, Arctiidae, and Sphingidae.
(6)Remarks
The ovipositor can penetrate human skin to sting.
Print References
Hooker, Charles W. (1912). The Ichneumom flies of America belonging to the tribe Ophionini. Transactions of the American Entomological Society, 38:1-176. (
Full Text)
(7)
