Fopius caudatus is readily separated from all other species of
Fopius by the distinctive band of setae and punctures on the frons extending between the eye and ocelli (Fig. 2).
Fopius caudatus resembles members of the
Fopius desideratus species group in the morphology of the clypeus and petiole, but has a distinctly different ovipositor (strongly narrowed, with a shape identical to that of
Fopius arisanus, suggesting oviposition in the host egg: Fig. 3) as well as several features unusual for members of the genus
Fopius (
Wharton 1997,
1999). The commonly collected
Fopius caudatus also superficially resembles
Fopius silvestrii, and both have been reared from ceratitidines in coffee samples.
1.
Fopius caudatus habitus: latera...
Fopius caudatus habitus: lateral
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2.
Fopius caudatus to...
Fopius caudatus top of head showing distinctive setal pattern.
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3.Fopius caudatus ovipositor tip.