Gnamptopelta Hopper, 1939
Gnamptopleta is comprised of a single species, Gnamptopelta obsidianator, which is both easily recognized and fairly common in the eastern U.S. and Canada. Although it could possibly be confused with Ichneumon centrator which also shares a predominantly black body and yellow antennae, Gnamptopelta obsidianator lacks any yellow color on the legs whereas Ichneumon centrator does. Gnamptopelta obsidianator is also considerably larger and more robust than Ichneumon centrator. There are two recognized subspecies of G. obsidianator that only differ in the color of the head and parts of the mesosoma. Gnamptopelta obsidianator obsidianator has a black head, whereas Gnamptopelta obsidianator austrina has a red head and anterior areas of the mesosoma.
Diagnosis
- female metasomal apex amblypygous
- propodeum strongly sloping at anterior margin
- clypeus medially concave
- scutellum strongly elevated abovew postscutellum