Cabbage White Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia glomerata
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Braconidae
- Subfamily: Microgastrinae
- Genus: Cotesia
- Species: glomerata
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cotesia glomerata: //koʊˈtiːziə ˌɡloʊməˈrɑːtə//
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Summary
Cotesia glomerata is a small parasitoid wasp belonging to the Braconidae family, primarily known for parasitizing caterpillars of Pieris butterflies, particularly Pieris brassicae and Pieris rapae. This species is an important player in natural pest control and is widespread across several biogeographic realms.
Physical Characteristics
Adults can reach a length of 3–7 millimetres (0.12–0.28 in). The wasp is black and has two pairs of wings.
Identification Tips
Look for small black wasps, typically found around caterpillar-damaged plants. They are often associated with the host larvae of Pieris butterflies.
Habitat
Commonly found in agricultural fields, gardens, and areas where host caterpillars (like Pieris species) are present.
Distribution
Present in most of Europe, Afrotropical realm, Australasian realm, Nearctic realm, and Neotropical realm.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on nectar.
Life Cycle
After hatching from pupae, females mate and lay 16–52 eggs in caterpillar larvae. After 15 to 20 days, larvae emerge from the host caterpillar and spin cocoons. It takes 7 to 10 days for adults to emerge from these cocoons. Full development from egg to adult takes 22 to 30 days.
Reproduction
Females lay multiple eggs in each caterpillar host, initiating the cycle of parasitism.
Predators
Cotesia glomerata is parasitized by hyperparasite wasps such as Lysibia nana and Gelis agilis.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a natural control for caterpillar populations, particularly those of Pieris species.
Economic Impact
Can impact populations of pest species in agriculture; serves as a biological control agent for caterpillar pests.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults during flight
- Using host caterpillars to locate parasitized individuals
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol collection
- Pinning specimens
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse Cotesia glomerata with other non-parasitic wasps due to their similar appearance.
Tags
- Hymenoptera
- Braconidae
- Parasitoid Wasp
- Caterpillar Parasite
- Biological Control