Ophioninae
Ophion luteus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Ichneumonidae
Subfamily: Ophioninae
Tribes

Ophionini
Enicospilini

Ophioninae is a worldwide subfamily of Ichneumonidae, comprising 32 genera and exhibiting high diversity in tropical regions. They are koinobiont endoparasitoids of larval Lepidoptera, although at least one species parasitizes Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera). Notably, they are among the few species within Parasitica whose ovipositors are capable of stinging vertebrates. Pupae of Ophioninae are ovoid and feature a distinct central clear band, which is a characteristic trait of this subfamily. These insects are typically large, slender, and orange, with compressed and curved abdomens. They possess prominent ocelli and are primarily active during the night, often being attracted to light sources.

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