Subfamily Opiinae
Compiler and date details
N.B. Stevens, M. Iqbal, A.D. Austin & J.T. Jennings, Centre for Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity (CEBB), Waite Institute, Adelaide, South Australia
Introduction
This is a very large subfamily comprising in excess of 1,300 described species worldwide. They are difficult to distinguish morphologically, but can be defined on wing venation, lack of exodont mandibles (see Alysiinae), and their hosts, cyclorrhaphan Diptera. Together with the Alysiinae and a few Braconinae, they are the only braconids to parasitise this host group.
Opiines are extensively used in the biological control of fruit infesting Tephritidae and leaf-mining Agromyzidae, with numerous species having been introduced into various countries, including Australia, for this purpose.
Previously, most species have been included in various subgroupings of Opius, but more recently this genus has been divided into multiple genera. There are more than 40 species recorded for Australia and many more yet to describe.
General References
Fischer, M. 1978. Neue Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) von der Australischen region, besonders aus Tasmanien. Polskie Pismo Entomologiczne 48: 371-412
Fischer, M. 1988. Neues von der Australischen Opiinen - Fauna (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae). Stapfia 17: 239-272
Wharton, R.A. 1988. Classification of the braconid subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera). The Canadian Entomologist 120: 333-360
Wharton, R.A. 1997. Generic relationships of opiine Braconidae (Hymenoptera) parasitic on fruit-infesting Tephritidae (Diptera). Contributions of the American Entomological Institute 30: 1-53
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23-Mar-2015 | 25-Jul-2012 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |