Hibernating Ichneumonidae of Ohio (Hymenoptera)

Abstract

Hibernation of the adult insect occurs infrequently in the Hymenoptera. Thirtynine species of parasitoid Ichneumonidae, representing thirteen genera and three subfamilies, were collected as hibernating adults in Ohio. Of 5,275 hibernating specimens examined, all but one were female. Hibernating specimens were collected from mid-October to mid-April, 1965-1970. Deep ravines, north-facing slopes, and low-lying ground where humidity and temperature fluctuations are minimal represented the most favored hibernation locations. Six types of hibernacula were examined, with sites beneath the loose bark of fallen trees favored by the most species and the largest numbers of specimens. Tables summarizing the distributional and ecological data and a key to the hibernating species are provided.