Agricultural-pest-control
Guides
Trissolcus
samurai wasps
Trissolcus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Scelionidae, comprising at least 180 described species. Members are obligate egg parasitoids of true bugs in the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, including stink bugs (Pentatomidae). The genus has gained significant attention due to the biological control potential of several species, particularly Trissolcus japonicus (the "samurai wasp"), against the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Taxonomic challenges have historically complicated identification, with recent revisionary work resolving numerous synonymies and clarifying species boundaries.
Vulgichneumon brevicinctor
Vulgichneumon brevicinctor is a widely distributed ichneumon wasp and one of the most common species in the subfamily Ichneumoninae across North America. It is a parasitoid of moth larvae, with documented hosts including agricultural pests such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and Cisseps fulvicollis. The species has been recorded throughout most of the United States and Canada.
Zelus longipes
milkweed assassin bug, sundew assassin bug
Zelus longipes is a medium-sized assassin bug (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) distributed across the southern United States, Central America, and South America (excluding Chile). The species is notable for its bright red and black coloration and its unique prey-capture strategy using sticky secretions on the forelegs—an adaptation that inspired the common name "sundew assassin bug." It has been evaluated as a potential biocontrol agent for agricultural pests including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), picture-winged flies (Ulidiidae), and Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), though its generalist predatory habits and documented attacks on beneficial insects such as honey bees and parasitoid wasps complicate its practical application.