Cremnops comstocki

Distinguished from other braconid wasps by the elongated, equine-like head with extended face (rostrum). The narrow, extended face is shared with related genera Agathis and Bassus, but Cremnops can be separated by additional morphological characters requiring detailed examination. The combination of relatively large size (6-10 mm), red and black coloration, and elongated face distinguishes it from most other braconids. Accurate identification to species level typically requires examination of microscopic characters.

Medium-sized braconid wasp with distinctive elongated, narrow face (rostrum) characteristic of the genus Cremnops. Coloration typically includes red and black patterns with black or smoky wings. Body length approximately 6-10 mm, larger than many other braconid wasps. Head shape superficially resembles the mythological winged horse Pegasus.

Terrestrial habitats. As a parasitoid of caterpillars, occurrence is tied to presence of host lepidopteran larvae and their food plants.

North America. Specific distribution details within this range are not well documented in available sources.

Adults feed on nectar. Larvae are internal parasitoids of caterpillars in the families Pyralidae and Crambidae.

• Pyralidae - hostcaterpillars are hosts for larval development
• Crambidae - hostcaterpillars are hosts for larval development

Females hunt caterpillars and lay eggs internally. Typically one wasp larva develops per host caterpillar, though some species in the genus are gregarious. Larva consumes host from within, eventually killing it. Pupation occurs within host remains or in soil.

Adults are frequent visitors to flowers, where they use elongated mouthparts to probe for nectar. Females actively search for host caterpillars to parasitize.

Biological control agent of lepidopteran pests. Acts as a natural enemy of caterpillars in families Pyralidae and Crambidae, many of which are agricultural pests.

Potential biological control agent for pest caterpillars. Related species in the genus have been considered for use in pest management programs targeting Crambidae larvae, which are often of agricultural concern.

• AgathisShares narrow, extended face characteristic of Agathidinae; distinguished by other morphological characters
• BassusShares narrow, extended face characteristic of Agathidinae; recent taxonomic revisions have separated these genera
• LytopylusRecently resurrected genus split from Bassus; similar appearance and biology

• parasitoid
• biological control
• caterpillar parasite
• flower visitor
• North America

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• New methods needed to boost success of Classical Biological Control to fight insect pests | Blog #
• Bug Eric: March 2011
• New Wasp Species Named after Chief Crazy Horse and Wile E. Coyote