Habrobracon

Ashmead, 1900

Species Guides

Habrobracon hebetor

Habrobracon is a of minute in the Braconidae. in this genus are ectoparasitoids of caterpillars, 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 crop pests without chemical . The genus has also served as a model organism for radiation research due to its remarkable resistance 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 - Indianmeal moth; late larval stage parasitized
Ephestia kuehniella - Mediterranean flour moth; late larval stage parasitized
Cadra cautella - Almond moth; late larval stage parasitized
Cadra calidella - Dried fruit moth; 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-instar larvae.

Behavior

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

Ecological Role

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

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, larvae, and starter ). Serves as a model organism for radiation research due to extreme radiation resistance.

Similar Taxa

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