Corioxenids

Corioxenids are a small and poorly understood family of parasitic insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, specifically within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha. They are exclusively found in the New World, with their distribution extending from the southern United States down to South America. These insects are obligate endoparasites of certain pentatomid bugs, also known as stink bugs. The life cycle of corioxenids is complex and involves direct transmission. Adult female corioxenids lay their eggs on the host bug's exoskeleton. Upon hatching, the immature stages penetrate the host's cuticle and develop within its hemocoel. The host typically survives the parasitic infestation, although it may exhibit some signs of stress or reduced vigor. Corioxenids are characterized by their highly modified morphology, adapted for their parasitic lifestyle. They are generally small, soft-bodied, and lack wings. Their mouthparts are reduced or absent, as they absorb nutrients directly from the host's hemolymph. Very little is known about the specific species that act as hosts for corioxenids, nor are the exact mechanisms of host exploitation fully elucidated. Research into corioxenid biology is ongoing, aiming to understand their evolutionary history and ecological role within pentatomid populations.