Subfamily Banchinae

3 tribes, with ~1,500 spp. in >60 genera worldwide; ~600 spp. in 21 genera in our area(1)(2)(3)

Banchinae are often noted in part for having a non-petionate abdomen and a subapical notch on the ovipositor. Note that this notch may not be visible unless the ovipositor is separated from its sheath. Note as well that a notched ovipositor may occur in other subfamilies, including Ctenopelmatinae, Cylloceriinae, and Orthocentrinae (among many others!), so this trait should never be used on its own.(3)

"Most Banchinae can be readily recognized by the combination of an anteriorly expanded submetapleural carina, evenly curved posterior trans-verse carina of the propodeum (with other carinae reduced) and notched ovipositor." — Broad & Notton (2011)(4)

worldwide(1)

All species with known hosts are koinobiont endoparasitoids of caterpillars(4)