Coccophaginae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccophaginae: //kɒk.kəˈfæ.dʒɪ.neɪ//

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Summary

Encarsia formosa is a parasitoid wasp that plays a crucial role in controlling greenhouse whitefly populations. It has a unique clap and fling flight mechanism and reproduces primarily asexually due to Wolbachia infection, making it an efficient natural pesticide since the 1920s.

Physical Characteristics

Tiny females about 0.6 mm long, black with a yellow abdomen and opalescent wings; males are slightly larger and completely black in coloration.

Identification Tips

Distinguish parasitized greenhouse whitefly pupae, which turn black after about 10 days, from unparasitized pupae.

Habitat

Commonly found in greenhouse environments, especially around crops.

Distribution

Approximately 120 species in 6 genera in the area and about 800 species in 13 genera worldwide.

Diet

Parasitizes whitefly species including Bemisia tabaci and Aleyrodes proletella.

Life Cycle

Females deposit 50-100 eggs inside the bodies of nymphs or pupae of host species. Wasp larvae develop through four instars in about two weeks. Adult wasps emerge approximately 10 days after pupation within the whitefly body.

Reproduction

Reproduces asexually via thelytoky induced by Wolbachia infection; males are produced only rarely.

Ecosystem Role

Biological control agent for whitefly populations, particularly in greenhouse settings.

Economic Impact

Significant biological control agent in agriculture, particularly for crops like tomatoes in greenhouses.

Cultural Significance

Known as one of the earliest insects used for biological pest control.

Tags

• biological control
• parasitoid wasp
• greenhouse whitefly
• Encarsia
• Coccophaginae