The hosts of Ophion luteus (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Ophioninae) in Europe

By

Broad, Gavin R.
Schnee, Heinz
Shaw, Mark

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2015

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

46

Pages

115-125

Subjects

Host-parasitoid , Lepidoptera , Noctuidae , Noctuinae , rearing

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/JHR.46.5347

 

Abstract

A widespread European nocturnal ichneumonid, Ophion luteus, is shown to be a parasitoid of at least two species of noctuid moth, Agrotis exclamationis and A. segetum, probably most frequently a parasitoid of the former. The taxonomy, nomenclature and diagnostic features of this species are discussed. Possible explanations for a spring-flying generation, usually referred to as the ‘distans’ morph, are discussed.