Plagiotrypes Ashmead, 1900
Plagiotrypes is one of the most distinctive ichneumonin genera in the Nearctic due to a combination of the unidentate, sickle-shaped mandibles; propodeal spines; and extremely unusual female metasoma in which the last few tergites have crecent-shaped unsclerotized regions at the apex. The latter character is remarkably similar to the metasomal apex in Notopygus suggesting that both genera are using their ovipositor to access their hosts in a similar way. The host of Plagiotrypes is unknown, but Notopygus is known to attack leaf-folling sawflies (Pamphiliidae). Given that ichneumonines are exclusively parasitoids of moths and butterflies, a likely host for Plagiotrypes would be a tortricid leafroller moths.
Plagiotrypes is primarily a Neotropical genus as suggested richly-patterned coloration and the long propodeal spines which are both indicative of tropical species. There are probably +10 undescribed species.
Diagnosis
- mandible unidentate and sickle-shaped
- female metasomal apex amblypygous and terminal tergites with apical membranous areas
- propodeal apophyes developed into strong spines
- clypeus apically impressed
- males with well-developed bristle ridges on flagellum
Species
Plagiotrypes concinnus (Say, 1829)