Possible research projects
The following is a list of possible research projects involving Nearctic ichneumonids. It is hard to overstate our lack of knowledge of ichneumonid biology and biodiversity, so there is a wide range of possible projects. To help narrow down the possibilites below is a list of straightforward projects.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of taxonomy is that nearly anyone can make valuable contributions with a simple dissecting scope and a healthy amount of dedication. I would, however, suggest that amateurs partner with an ichneumonid specialist, at least initially, so that obvious errors are avoided (no one wants to describe a synonym) and to facilitate the publishing process.
Feel free to contact me for more details on any of the below ideas.
Ichneumoninae
Rediscovery of Ectopimorpha utahensis which is only known from the original publication (Heinrich, 1961). Additional collecting at the type locality “5 mi north of Orderville” would likely be required.
Discover male of Exephanes subfulvus. This species apparently is widely distributed but has only been recorded from the U.S. in Colorado and Georgia and in Canada from ALberta, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
What is the host of Plagiotrypes and what how do females oviposit into their hosts? This genus is primairly Neotropical with a single Nearctic species Plagiotrypes concinnus. The females are extremely unusual in that the anterior margins of metasomal segments 5-7 are unsclerotized. The ovipositor is also short and curved upward, and the hypopygium is amblypygous. This character occurs no where else in Ichneumoninae but there is a parallel with the ctenopelmatine genus Notopygus. The hosts of Notopygus are tortricid (leaf-rolling moths). Is Plagiotrypes also attacking tortricids or does it at least access its host in a similar fashion as Notopygus?
Description of the biology of Limonethe maurator. Limonethe maurator has been reared from Nymphalis antiopa and Vanessa cardui, both nymphalid butterflies. The semiamblypygous metasomal apex of the female suggests that it is attacking the larval stage. Is this true? Is it even possible to females to oviposit butterfly chrysalides since they hang from vegetation and it would be difficult for ichneumonine females to get to them and get enough leverage for oviposition? Are all ichneumonines that attack butterflies that pupate hanging from vegetation larval-pupal parasitoids?
What are the hosts of Setanta compta? It is one of the most common and easily recognized easily recognized ichneumonine species but there are no published records documenting any hosts or anything else about its biology. Documenting the host and oviposition behavior may also shed light on the many Neotropical Setanta species.
The female of Platylabus berndii is unknown. This species occurs in the eastern U.S. and Canada and is quite rare.
Banchinae
Description of male Meniscomorpha atrorubra. One male specimen from Arizona was recently collected by Bill Warner.