Subfamily Doryctinae

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Introduction

This is a large subfamily that comprises small to large species. The defining feature of this group is the presence of a longitudinal row of stout spines on the fore tibia, a large head on often a slender, elongate body, and a cyclostome depression above the mandibles (see Braconinae).

The group is worldwide in distribution but for Australia most species are undescribed. Although only 26 species are so far recorded, a revision currently in progress indicates that the true size of the fauna is close to 400 species, and includes a greater proportion of reduced-winged species compared with other regions.

Doryctines are mostly ectoparasitoids of wood-boring coleopteran larva and consequently are commonly collected near fallen trees and rotting logs. A few species have also been reared from lepidopteran and sawfly larvae. Several Australian species are being used as biological control agents overseas against beetle pests of eucalypts.

General References

Marsh, P.M. 1997. Subfamily Doryctinae. pp. 207-233 in Wharton, R.A., Marsh, P.M. & Sharkey, M.J. (eds). Manual of the New World Genera of the Family Braconidae (Hymenoptera). Washington, D. C. : The International Society of Hymenopterists 439 pp.

History of changes