''Netelia'' is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Tryphoninae. There are over 330 described species in ''Netelia'' grouped into 12 subgenera.

Description and identification

''Neteila'' generally are entirely orange to brownish yellow in color and are medium to large in size, with a fore wing measuring between 6 to 20 mm. They have large ocelli, which often tough the compound eyes and mandibles that are twisted 90°. Both their antennae and legs are conspicuously long for ichneumonids. In contrast to the superficially similar

Ophioninae Ophioninae is a worldwide subfamily of Ichneumonidae with 32 genera, and very rich in tropical regions. They are koinobiont endoparasitoids of larval Lepidoptera, though at least one species parasitizes Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera). They are among ...

, the forewing usually has veins 2r-m and 3r-m present, the latter of which forms a small, triangular areolet, and has the Rs vein strongly bent as it approaches 3r-m. The ovipositor is also prominent, ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 times the length of the hind tibia. Identification of species is problematic as most species are similar in both morphology and coloration. The only reliable way to diagnose species is through examination of male genitalia, particularly a structure on the clasper. The strong similitude of species has resulted in misidentifications as well as erroneous reports of species well outside of their natural ranges.

Distribution

This genus is cosmopolitan. The genus has a high density of species, with 81 species reported just between the United States and Canada, for example.

Description and identification

Distribution

Species

References

External links