The Homolobinae are a
subfamily
In biological classification, a subfamily (Latin: ', plural ') is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end subfamily botanical names with "-oideae", and zoologi ...
of
braconid parasitoid wasp
Parasitoid wasps are a large group of hymenopteran superfamilies, with all but the wood wasps (Orussoidea) being in the wasp-waisted Apocrita. As parasitoids, they lay their eggs on or in the bodies of other arthropods, sooner or later causin ...
s. The subfamily
Charmontinae was previously included within Homolobinae as the tribe Charmontini.
Description and distribution
Homolobines are relatively large braconids, often resembling species of
Macrocentrinae. They have non-cyclostome mouth parts. Many are pale in coloration with large eyes and long tibial spurs on the hind leg. They can be separated from macrocentrines by the presence of an occipital carinae, which is a ridge along the back of the head.
Biology
Homolobines are koinobiont endoparasitoids of
caterpillars. Females lay a single egg on each host. Most recorded hosts are in the families
Noctuidae
The Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms or armyworms, are a family of moths. They are considered the most controversial family in the superfamily Noctuoidea because many of the clades are constantly changing, along with the other f ...
and
Geometridae. Most species of Homolobinae are nocturnal.
References
External links
Photos on BugGuideDNA barcodes at BOLD systems
{{Taxonbar, from=Q4040728
Braconidae
Apocrita subfamilies