The Macrocentrinae 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 parasitic wasps. Several species have been used in
biological control programs.
Description and distribution
Macrocentrines are relatively large braconids, recognizable by the presence of small teeth on the
trochantellus. Many have pale coloration and
nocturnal
Nocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal", versus diurnal meaning the opposite.
Nocturnal creatures generally have highly developed sens ...
habits. They belong to the
noncyclostome group.
They are found worldwide.
Biology
Macrocentrines include solitary and gregarious
koinobiont
In evolutionary ecology, a parasitoid is an organism that lives in close association with its host at the host's expense, eventually resulting in the death of the host. Parasitoidism is one of six major evolutionary strategies within parasitis ...
endoparasitoids of
caterpillar
Caterpillars ( ) are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths).
As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary, since the larvae of sawflies (suborder Sym ...
s.
References
External links
Photos on BugGuideDNA barcodes at BOLD systems
Braconidae
Apocrita subfamilies
{{Ichneumonoidea-stub