HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Parasitica > Ichneumonidae > Banchinae > Atrophini

As previously noted, Lissonota is the largest banchine genus. There are around 60 named species, plus a number that have been identified, but not yet named.

Whereas members of the Glyptini tribe are rather specific with regard to their host species, the Atrophini are more varied, although in most cases the females still require a long ovipositor in order to reach concealed larvae. In addition to the long ovipositor, Lissonota species also have noticeably long antennae, which are pretty much as long as their body.

Three species are particular well recorded; Lissonota coracina, Lissonota clypeator and Lissonota fundator. nationwide and from Dorset but, interestingly, without a solitary confirmed sighting from South Devon (VC3) where the individual featured below was photographed.

Unfortunately, I can only represent this subfamily at present with two species.

Other major genera are Cryptopimpla (Atrophini) with 7 species and, from the Banchini tribe, Banchus and Exetastes with 8 and 11 species respectively. Members of the Banchini target noctuid moths that pupate in the soil, which doesn't warrant the need for a long ovipositor.

New species/genus added, March 25 (v.1)