Cryptinae

Cryptinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera. It is a large and cosmopolitan group that includes hundreds of described species across many genera. Like other ichneumonids, cryptines are mostly parasites of other insects, and their life cycles typically involve laying eggs on or in a host, with the developing larva feeding on the host and eventually leading to its death.

Hosts of Cryptinae vary by lineage and can include larvae or pupae of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Coleoptera (beetles), and occasionally other Hymenoptera. The exact host range is often species- or genus-specific, and many cryptines exhibit specialized relationships with particular hosts. Adults commonly visit flowers for nectar and can be active across warm months.

Taxonomy and identification within Cryptinae rely on morphological traits such as wing venation, the structure of the metasoma, and other detailed characters; the subfamily is organized into several tribes and genera. Classification has evolved with advances in molecular data, leading to revisions in some groupings and better understanding of relationships within Ichneumonidae.

Distribution and ecological role: Cryptinae is found worldwide, from temperate to tropical regions. As parasitoids, they function as natural enemies of many insect groups and are often considered in biological control programs, contributing to the regulation of pest populations. Research in this subfamily continues to refine species boundaries, host associations, and evolutionary relationships within Ichneumonidae.

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