Setanta Cameron, 1901
Setanta is a moderately diverse genus in the Amblyteles genus-group. It is primarily Neotropical, with only two Nearctic species. Both the Nearctic species can be easily distinguished from other genera and from each other solely based on their distinctive coloration. Setanta compta is common in the eastern U.S., while Setanta parsimonica is less commonly collected and occurs in Texas, Arkansas, and northern Mexico.
While the Nearctic species are well-known, the large and complex Neotropical Setanta fauna is almost entirely unknown. Many Neotropical species appear to be polystine, and specifically Polybia, mimics.
Biology
Despite its seemingly high abundance, neither S. compta, nor S. parsimonia have yet to be reared. However, a single specimen of an unknown Setanta species in Costa Rica has been reared from a final instar noctuid larva. As with nearly all ichneumonines, it emerged from the host pupa.
Diagnosis
- postpetiole longitudinally striate
- gastrocoeli only represented by small longitudinal depressions
- thyridia absent
- female metasomal apex amblypygous
- males with well-developed bristle ridges