Author
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Smith, David |
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Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Gasteruptionidae are a group of parasitic wasps developing in the nests of bees and wasps that live in wood and twigs. Parasitism by these wasps could be detrimental to bees of importance in pollination or beneficial if on bees and wasps that are destructive or a nuisance. Five species occur in eastern North America. Adults begin to emerge in late April and are present through the first of October. Peak flights occur from May to July with lower populations the rest of the season. A key and illustrations are given for identification of the species, and current information is presented on distributions and recorded hosts. This paper will serve as a time saving guide and reference to these parasites for anyone concerned with bees as pollinators or concerned with potential biological control of certain species. Technical Abstract: Five species of Gasteruptionidae are known in eastern North America. Known hosts are bees and wasps that nest in wood or twigs. A key is given for their identification, and distributions and known hosts are reviewed. Seasonal activity is presented based on collections from the mid-Atlantic United States. The peak flights are from May to July, but they are present from the end of April into October. |
