Twisted-Wing Parasites: Strepsiptera
No Common Name (halictophagus Naulti): Species Account
Physical characteristics: Adult males are about 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) in length. They have three-segmented feet and seven-segmented antennae. The females are pale yellow and brown and resemble the larvae.
Geographic range: This species is known only from the state of Morelos, Mexico.
Habitat: This species parasitizes the corn leafhopper.
Diet: The larvae and adult females are parasites that live inside the bodies of corn leafhoppers. They feed on the body fluids of their hosts. Adult males are free-living and do not eat.
Behavior and reproduction: Nothing is known about the behavior or reproduction of this species.
Halictophagus naulti parasitizes the corn leafhopper and may prove to be useful for controlling this pest.
Halictophagus naulti and people: The corn leafhopper is the most destructive pest for corn crops in Latin America. Halictophagus naulti parasitizes the corn leafhopper and may prove to be useful for controlling this pest.
Conservation status: This species is not listed as endangered or threatened. ∎
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Books:
Carvalho, E. L., and M. Kogan. Order Strepsiptera. Immature Insects. Vol. 2, ed. by F. W. Stehr. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 1994.
Tavolacci, J., ed. Insects and Spiders of the World. Vol. 9: Stonefly-Velvet Worm. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.
Periodicals:
Kathirithamby, J. "Review of the Order Strepsiptera." Systematic Entomology 14 (1989): 41–92.
Web sites:
Strepsiptera. http://www.strepsiptera.uni-rostock.de/e/strepsiptera.html (accessed on October 19, 2004).
Strepsiptera. Stylopids. http://www.ento.csiro.au/Ecowatch/Insects_Invertebrates/strepsiptera.htm (accessed on October 19, 2004).
"Strepsiptera: Twisted-Wing Parasites." Tree of Life Web Project. http://tolweb.org/tree?group=Strepsiptera&contgroup=Endopterygota (accessed on October 19, 2004).
Additional topics
Animal Life ResourceInsects and SpidersTwisted-Wing Parasites: Strepsiptera - Physical Characteristics, Habitat, Behavior And Reproduction, Twisted-wing Parasites And People, No Common Name (halictophagus Naulti): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, DIET, CONSERVATION STATUS