Audrioninae

Audrioninae is a subfamily of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera and the family Braconidae. This subfamily is characterized by its parasitic lifestyle, with most species acting as endoparasitoids of the larvae of other insects, particularly those belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Braconid wasps are renowned for their diverse host ranges and intricate life cycles, and the Audrioninae are no exception.

The adult female Audrioninae wasps deposit their eggs within or on the bodies of their host larvae. The developing wasp larva then feeds on the host's tissues, ultimately killing it. This parasitic relationship plays a significant role in natural pest control, as many lepidopteran hosts are agricultural pests. The subfamily is distributed globally, though specific species may have more restricted geographic ranges.

Morphologically, Audrioninae wasps exhibit a range of features typical of Braconidae, including a petiolate (stalked) first metasomal tergite and usually a well-developed ovipositor in females. However, detailed morphological characteristics can vary considerably between genera and species, requiring expert examination for precise identification. Research into Audrioninae continues to uncover new species and to better understand their ecological roles and evolutionary history within the Braconidae family.