Sinophorus

Taxonomy

Wasps in the genus Sinophorus are parasitic wasps belonging to the family Ichneumonidae and the subfamily Campopleginae. "Sinophorus" can be interpreted to mean "from China," perhaps indicating the geographic origin or distribution of the genus. While the exact geographic range of the genus Sinophorus can vary depending on the species, many members of this genus are found in various regions across Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and other neighboring countries. Some species may also occur in parts of Europe and North America. There are 63 species native to our area in Minnesota. Currently, the MN Bee Atlas was unable to identify their Sinophorus specimens to species level. We only had one Sinophorus sp. in the Bee Atlas project. It emerged from a block located in St. Louis County in 2017.

Description

The average length of wasps in the genus Sinophorus can vary depending on the species. Generally, they range from a few millimeters to around 10 to 15 mm in length. However, there can be considerable variation in size among different species within the genus. These ichneumonid wasps typically exhibit a slender and elongated body form, characteristic of many members of the family Ichneumonidae. Their anatomy includes well-developed wings with intricate venation patterns, aiding in their agile flight capabilities. Sinophorus species often possess a distinctively narrow waist or petiole, separating the thorax from the abdomen, a feature common among many parasitic wasps. Their antennae are typically long and thread-like, aiding in sensory perception. The coloration and patterning on their bodies can vary significantly among species, ranging from muted tones to striking contrasts, often serving as important taxonomic characters for species identification. 

Nest Structure

Like most Ichneumonids, wasps in the genus Sinophorus do not build their own nests. Instead, they parasitize the nests of other insects. No insect host emerged from the Bee Atlas nest that produced the Sinophorus sp.

Hole Sizes

No information at this time.

Voltinism

This species appears to be univoltine throughout its range, completing one generation per year in Minnesota. 

Activity Period

No information at this time.

References

Cotinis. 2010. BugGuide.Net. BugGuide. Available from: https://bugguide.net/node/view/420399. Accessed May 30, 2024. Iowa State University Entomology.

Discover Life. 2024. "Ichneumonidae." In Proceedings of the Ecological Society of America, vol. 6. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://www.discoverlife.org/proceedings/0000/6/html/Ichneumonidae.html

Sanborne MP. 1983. Classification, zoogeography, and phylogeny of the genus Sinophorus Foerster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Dissertation. 

Thank you to John Luhman for identifying all of our Ichneumonid specimens.