Habrobracon

Ashmead, 1900

Habrobracon is a of minute in the . in this genus are of , with Habrobracon hebetor being the most extensively studied and commercially utilized species. These wasps have been employed in programs worldwide, particularly in developing countries, to manage stored-product pests and field pests without chemical . The genus has also served as a model organism for radiation biology research due to its remarkable to ionizing radiation.

Habrobracon tetralophae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Habrobracon politiventris by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Habrobracon: /ˌhæbroʊˈbreɪkən/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Distribution records indicate presence in Denmark (DK); broader geographic range not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

Plodia interpunctella - ; late larval stage parasitized
Ephestia kuehniella - ; late larval stage parasitized
Cadra cautella - Almond ; late larval stage parasitized
Cadra calidella - Dried fruit ; late larval stage parasitized
Corcyra cephalonica - Rice ; used in mass-rearing programs in Niger
Helicochilus albipunctella - Pearl millet miner; targeted in Sahelian region of Africa

Life Cycle

At 30°C, the from initial to is approximately 10–13 days. Adult females live about 23 days and produce approximately 100 . One to eight eggs are deposited in individual paralyzed late- .

Behavior

Females paralyze before . feed on host using that rapidly destroy blood , facilitating quick consumption.

Ecological Role

of lepidopteran ; contributes to natural and applied suppression of in stored products and field .

Human Relevance

Widely used in commercial programs, particularly in developing countries. Mass-rearing systems have been established in Niger and other regions using low-cost methods (gunny sacks with grain, , and starter ). Serves as a model organism for radiation biology research due to extreme radiation .

Similar Taxa

MormoniellaBoth are minute of genetic and interest; historically discussed together in taxonomic literature.
TrichogrammaBoth are minute used in ; Trichogramma are parasitoids while Habrobracon attack larval stages.