Acampsohelconinae Explained

The Acampsohelconinae are a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps. Extant members of this subfamily were previously included in the Helconinae, Blacinae, or Sigalphinae.^{[1] [2]} The four genera included are †Acampsohelcon, Afrocampsis, Canalicephalus, and Urosigalphus.

Description and distribution

Acampsohelconinae are non-cyclostome braconids with a carapace covering the metasoma. The outer hind tarsal claws are modified and much larger than the midtarsal claws.

Canalicephalus has an Indo-Australian distribution, Afrocampsis has an Afrotropical distribution, and Urosigalphus is found mostly in the New World with one species found in Japan.^[3]

Biology

Hosts and habits of most Acampsohelconinae are unknown, but members of Urosigalphus are parasitoids of seed feeding beetle grubs in the Bruchidae and Curculionidae.

External links

• Photos on BugGuide
• DNA barcodes at BOLD systems

Notes and References

1. van Achterberg. C.. 2002. Revision of the genus Canalicephalus Gibson and the recognition of the Acampsohelconinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as extant. Zoologische Mededelingen, Leiden. 76. 347–370.
2. Book: Wharton, Robert A.. Manual of the New World Genera of the Family Braconidae (Hymenoptera). Marsh. Paul M.. Sharkey. Michael J.. The International Society of Hymenopterists. 1997. Washington DC. 69.
3. VAN ACHTERBERG. C. QUICKE. D. L. J.. 1990. Afrocampsis, a new genus belonging to the Sigalphinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from the afrotropical region. Afrocampsis, A New Genus Belonging to the Sigalphinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from the Afrotropical Region. 64. 7–14. 155–160. 0024-0672.