geldiini

Geldiini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae (order Hymenoptera). The group comprises several genera and many described species found in multiple biogeographic regions around the world.

Members are generally slender ichneumonid wasps with long antennae and legs; diagnostic characters used to recognize Geldiini are distributed across wing venation, metasomal segmentation, and genitalia, and precise identification usually requires careful morphological examination or molecular data.

Biology: Geldiini species are endoparasitoids or ectoparasitoids of other insects, with host ranges that vary by genus but frequently include Lepidoptera larvae and related orders. The life cycle follows the typical ichneumonid pattern, with the female laying eggs on or in a host and the larva consuming the host from within or while attached.

Ecology and significance: As natural enemies, Geldiini contribute to regulation of insect populations in ecosystems. Some species have been investigated for use in biological control, although practical application depends on reliable host records and careful species-level identification.

Taxonomy: The circumscription of Geldiini has changed over time as revisions occur and molecular phylogenetics clarifies relationships. The number of included genera is not fixed and may vary with different taxonomic authorities. See also Ichneumonidae and related parasitoid wasp groups for broader context.