Exploring the Biology of Quasi-Social Idiobiont Parasitoids in the Genus Sclerodermus (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae)

Abstract

The genus Sclerodermus is unique among parasitoid Hymenoptera because it exhibits quasi-social behaviour. It is only in recent years that researchers have started to explore its biology in the laboratory, as it is difficult to observe in the wild, where larvae typically feed on wood-boring hosts. This research aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the genus through database analysis and meta-analysis by comparing data from different studies. The comparison of Sclerodermus’ biology revealed a high degree of consistency between species in their biological traits.