COCCYGIDIUM (Braconidae: Agathidinae)

DIAGNOSIS
HABITUS
        These are relatively large 4-12 mm. Most species are either testaceous (straw-colored) or brightly colored with shades of orange, yellow, and black.
HEAD
        Gena normal to weakly expanded posteroventrally.  (fig. 2)
        The 3^rd (penultimate) labial palpomere is more than ¾ length of the (distal) palpomere.  (fig. 3)
        The frons is usually (95%) bordered with carinae, i.e., there are carinae extending from the lateral edges of the antennal sockets that extend posteriorly towards the ocelli. Rarely these carinae are absent. (fig. 4)
        The face is not elongated into a rostrum as in most species of Agathis and Cremnops.
MESOSOMA
        The notauli may or may not be impressed.  (fig. 5)
        Propodea range from evenly areolated with 8 or 9 areola to completely smooth.  (fig. 6)
        The tarsal claws are cleft (bifid).  (fig. 7)
        The hind tibia almost always has 2 distolateral pegs rarely there are 3.(fig. 8)  
        The hind basal tarsal segment has a row of evenly spaced modified setae forming a comb.  (fig. 9)
        The hind coxal cavities are always closed.  (fig. 10)
        The hind trochantellus usually (95%) has two longitudinal carina.  (fig. 11)
        The 2nd cubital cell of the forewing is usually triangular though it may be weakly quadrate in some species. The marginal cell is particularly narrow.  (fig. 12)
        The wings vary from clear to infuscate (cloudy) to patterned with black and yellow.
METASOMA
        The first median tergite of the metasoma (gaster) lacks sculpture. It varies from almost flat to moderately convex to bulging.  (fig. 14)
        The ovipositor (when fully exerted) may be as half as long as the metasoma but is usually shorter.  (fig. 15)

BIOLOGY
        All members with known biology are internal koinobiont parasitoids of larval Noctuidae, Arctiidae, and Lasiocampidae. It appears that middle and late instar larvae are attacked and the host dies in the prepupal stage after it has spun it pupal chamber. One species is known to be gregarious (D.Janzen, pers. comm.). Many species are nocturnal and have the typical nocturnal coloration, large eyes, and ocelli. The short, curved, dagger-like, ovipositors indicate that exposed larvae are attacked.

DISTRIBUTION
        Found in all warm-temperate and tropical areas of the world. Not found in cool temperate areas, nor above 2500 meters in the Neotropics. For example no species are known to appear in Canada, and only 3 species are recorded for the USA, one of which is restricted to the southern tip of Florida. Members of Coccygidium are common in desert areas, seasonally dry areas, and tropical rainforests. The desert species are mostly nocturnal.  distribution map

KEYS TO SPECIES
        There are no keys to the New World species.

DIVERSITY
        About 30 New World species have been described and placed in various genera especially Zelomorpha. I predict that there are between 150 and 200 New World species.
 
TAXONOMIC NOTES
        Chou and Sharkey (1989) synonymized Zelomorpha under Coccygidium.

REFERENCES
        Chou, L.Y. and M.J. Sharkey. 1989. The Braconidae (Hymenoptera) of Taiwan. 1. Agathidinae. Journal of the Taiwan Museum 42: 147-223.