Chelonus

Description

Chelonus is the largest genus of Cheloninae, characterized by the absence of vein RS+M and sutures on the abdominal carapace plus extensively pilose eyes. It’s otherwise a very varied genus, with members usually being black in color and often with pale patches at the base of the abdomen. Most species are heavily sculptured though the extent varies.

Historically there has been two divisions in the genus, Chelonus and Microchelonus, that at times has been considered separate genera. Though these have nowadays been merged, they often prove useful for species determination. Most Microchelonus species have 16 or fewer antennal segments (though exceptions exist), distinctly “flat” abdominal carapace and thicker hind femurs. Main group Chelonus species are usually larger, always have more than 16 antennal segments and differ in at least one other character. Microchelonus males are readily recognized by a “aperture” or opening at the apex of the abdominal carapace.

Chelonus is a very difficult genus to identify to species level. The keys that exist are either difficult, incomplete or outdated, usually a combination.

Ecology

Most hosts are small Lepidoptera, though some species have been known to parasitize larger moths such as Geometrids and Noctuids.

Distribution

Chelonus has a near cosmopolitan distribution.

References

SHAW M.R. & T. HUDDLESTON (1991): Classification and biology of braconid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). — Handbooks of the Identification of British Insects 7 (11): 1-126.

SUBFAMILY CHELONINAE sharkeylab.org (website down). Retrieved 03 Mars 2023

Murphy, Nicholas; Banks, Jonathan C.; Whitfield, James B.; Austin, Andrew D. (2008). "Phylogeny of the parasitic microgastroid subfamilies (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) based on sequence data from seven genes, with an improved time estimate of the origin of the lineage". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 47 (1): 378–395

SLU Artdatabanken (2024). Artfakta: Chelonus. https://artfakta.se/taxa/1014331 [2024-04-24]

Finlands Artdatacenter (2024). LAJI.FI: Chelonus. https://laji.fi/sv/taxon/MX.297074 [2024-04-24]

BugWeb

Chelonus

Keys

Gallery

References