Aleiodes scrutator

As a member of the genus Aleiodes, A. scrutator can be distinguished from other braconid genera by the mummy-making parasitoid lifestyle and associated morphological traits. Species-level identification within Aleiodes typically requires examination of wing venation, antennae structure, body proportions, and genitalic characters. The specific epithet 'scrutator' (Latin for 'searcher' or 'examiner') may allude to characteristics of the species, though the original description by Say (1836) would need to be consulted for definitive diagnostic features. Distinguishing A. scrutator from congeners such as A. shakirae, A. colberti, or other North American Aleiodes species requires specialist taxonomic expertise and reference to original descriptions and revisions.

Documented in North America based on Catalogue of Life and GBIF records. iNaturalist reports 9 observations of this species, suggesting it has been detected in the field but is not commonly recorded. The precise geographic range within North America is not well-delineated in available sources.

As a parasitoid wasp in the genus Aleiodes, the larval stage feeds internally on a caterpillar host (Lepidoptera). The adult diet is not documented for this specific species but likely includes nectar or honeydew based on patterns in related braconid wasps.

• Lepidoptera larvae - parasitoidKoinobiont endoparasitoid; larva develops inside living caterpillar host, eventually killing and mummifying it

Following the typical Aleiodes pattern: adult female wasp deposits egg into caterpillar host; larva develops internally while host continues to feed and grow; mature larva emerges from host, which becomes hardened and mummified; pupation occurs within or adjacent to the mummy; adult emerges to repeat cycle. Specific timing and duration for A. scrutator are not documented.

As a parasitoid of caterpillars, this species contributes to natural biological control of lepidopteran populations. The mummy-making behavior preserves the host exoskeleton, potentially providing some protection for the developing pupa.

• Aleiodes shakiraeNamed in 2014 from Ecuador; shares the same mummy-making parasitoid lifestyle and general morphology, but differs in geographic distribution (Neotropical vs. North American) and likely host associations
• Calosoma scrutatorA ground beetle (Carabidae) with which A. scrutator shares the specific epithet; completely unrelated taxonomically but potentially encountered in similar habitats searching for caterpillar prey. The beetle is much larger (25+ mm), has hardened forewings (elytra), and is a predator rather than parasitoid

• parasitoid
• mummy-making wasp
• caterpillar parasite
• biological control

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Ground beetles up in the air: Calosoma wilcoxi and Calosoma scrutator — Bug of the Week
• Denmark Museum Highlights UW Entomologist’s Naming of Shakira Wasp
• Feasting on the bounty | Beetles In The Bush
• May | 2011 | Beetles In The Bush | Page 2