Distinguishing Immatures of Insect Associates of Southern Pine Bark Beetles

Southern Pine Beetle Handbook

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Cooperative State Research Service, Southern Pine Beetle Handbook, Agriculture Handbook No. 641. October 1985.

Hymenoptera

Descriptions of several species of parasite immatures are presented in Finger and Goyer (1978). The shape and composition of the larval cephalic structures are specific for the Braconidae. These structures can be seen only after clearing in KOH or Nesbitt’s fluid, however. The shape of the spiracles also is useful in differentiating certain species.

Braconidae and Chalcidoidea

Braconid larvae (fig. 32) can be separated (at high magnification) from the chalcidoid larvae by the presence of microspines covering the body integument. Pupae are found in cocoons. Within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, larvae of Heydenia unica can be distinguished (at high magnification) by the three pairs of very long setae present on the head. These are absent on Roptrocerus and Dinotiscus. Pupae are exarate and are not found in cocoons (fig. 33, Roptrocerus sp.).

Figure 32 - Braconidae: typical parasite larva	Figure 33 - Roptrocerus sp.: exarate pupa in bark beetle gallery

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