Alfalfa-weevil
Guides
Bathyplectes
Bathyplectes is a genus of ichneumonid wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae) comprising larval parasitoids of weevil pests, particularly the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica). The genus includes multiple Palaearctic species, with B. curculionis and B. anura being the most studied for biological control of alfalfa weevil in agricultural systems. These parasitoids have been introduced to North America as part of classical biological control programs. A distinctive behavioral trait occurs in B. anura, whose cocooned larvae jump up to 5 cm to locate favorable microhabitats.
Bathyplectes curculionis
Bathyplectes curculionis is a parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae that attacks larvae of the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica), a major pest of alfalfa crops. It has been introduced and established in various regions as a biological control agent. Field studies indicate that its populations are influenced by sugar availability, including aphid honeydew and floral nectar. In some regions, it has been displaced by the congener Bathyplectes anurus, which exhibits superior reproductive capacity, more rapid host handling, and avoidance of host encapsulation.
Bathyplectes infernalis
Bathyplectes infernalis is a parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is a biological control agent of the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica), a major agricultural pest in western North America. The species has been introduced and released in the United States as part of classical biological control programs. It is one of several Bathyplectes species used to manage weevil populations in alfalfa fields.
Odynerus dilectus
A potter wasp species in the subfamily Eumeninae, recorded from the United States and Alberta, Canada. Females construct distinctive turrets at nest entrances and provision nests with prey, primarily alfalfa weevil larvae in agricultural contexts, though small caterpillars have also been documented as prey. The species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) in integrated pest management programs.