Colpognathus Wesmael, 1845
Colpognathus is a small genus similar to Centeterus and Eparces (gastrocoelus and thyridium absent, areola not cordate); however, Colpognathus females have an enlarged mandible and an amblypygous metasomal apex. Males are more difficult to separate but generally have a more robust head and mandible compared to Centeterus and Eparces.
Unlike nearly all ichneumonines that emerge from the host pupa, Colpognathus species emerge from the dessicated ("mummified") remains of the host prepupa (=final instar larva) inside the host cocoon (Shaw & Bennett, 2001). The Palearctic genus Alomya also emerges from the mummified remains of the host prepupa. Despite the similarity in biology, the two genera are not closely related..
Diagnosis
- female mandible bidentate and medially enlarged
- male mandible robust (compared to Centeterus and Eparces)
- gastrocoelus and thyridium absent
- female metasomal apex amblypygous 60oi