Limonethe Townes, 1946
Limonethe is a small New World genus with only a single Nearctic species, Limonethe maurator. This species is perhaps the most commonly observed ichneumonine as it tends toward open, fairly disturbed habitats. In addition to the structural characters listed below, L. maurator can be reliable identified based on its unique coloration not only among Ichneumoninae but all Nearctic ichneumonids.
Biology
Limonethe maurator has been reared from the nymphalids Nymphalis antiopa and Vanessa cardui. However, it is unknown as to whether L. maurator oviposits into the host larvae or pupa. Given the semi-amblypygous metasomal apex and the habit of butterflies to pupate hanging from vegetation (presumably more difficult to access for ichneumonine females), it is likely that the larval instar is attacked.
Diagnosis
- postpetiole coarsely punctate
- thyridia and gastrocoeli well-developed
- propodeal carinae obsolete
- propodeum densely, coarsely punctate
- wings heavily infuscated
- areolet subquadrate
- female metasomal apex semi-amblypygous
Species
Limonethe maurator (Brullé, 1846)