What is lesbiinae?

Lesbiinae is a subfamily of insects in the family Ichneumonidae. They are parasitoid wasps, which means that they lay their eggs in or on the bodies of other insects, ultimately killing the host. Lesbiinae is a diverse subfamily, with over 2,000 described species. They are found worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical regions.

The adults of Lesbiinae are generally small to medium-sized wasps, usually black or dark brown in color. They have relatively short antennae and thick hind legs that are adapted for digging into soil or other substrates. Females have a long ovipositor that they use to insert their eggs into the host insect's body.

Lesbiinae have a variety of host insects, including caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other wasps. Their life cycle typically involves several parasitoid stages, where the wasp larvae feed on the body tissues of the host, until eventually emerging as adults.

Some species of Lesbiinae are considered beneficial because they are natural enemies of pest insects, and can help to control their populations in agricultural and forestry systems. However, some species can also attack non-target insects, which can have negative consequences on biodiversity.