Braconid
Guides
Aerophilus nigripes
Aerophilus nigripes is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae. The genus Aerophilus is a small group within the diverse braconid wasps, which are primarily known as parasitoids of other insects. Based on its family placement, this species likely parasitizes larval hosts, though specific host relationships for A. nigripes remain undocumented in available sources. The species epithet 'nigripes' refers to dark or black legs.
Agathis malvacearum
Agathis malvacearum is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Agathidinae. It is a small wasp, measuring approximately 6–10 mm, with distinctive red and black coloration and an elongated, narrow face characteristic of the genus Agathis. The species is known to visit flowers for nectar and to parasitize caterpillars as part of its life cycle. It has been recorded from Europe, Northern Asia, and North America.
Alabagrus texanus
Alabagrus texanus is a species of braconid wasp first described by Cresson in 1872. It belongs to the family Braconidae, a large group of parasitoid wasps that play important roles in biological control. The species is known from North America, with the specific epithet 'texanus' suggesting a connection to Texas, though its precise distribution and biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Aleiodes granulatus
Aleiodes granulatus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Rogadinae. It was described by DeGant in 1930. Like other members of the genus Aleiodes, it is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of lepidopteran caterpillars, with larvae developing inside living hosts before eventually killing and mummifying them. The specific epithet 'granulatus' refers to a granular surface texture, likely of the body integument.
Aleiodes kisomm
Aleiodes kisomm is a species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Rogadinae, described by Fortier. It belongs to a genus known for 'mummy-making' behavior, where larvae parasitize caterpillars and cause them to mummify. The species is documented from a primary type specimen housed at the University of California Riverside Entomology Research Museum (UCRC ENT 79338). As with other Aleiodes species, it is presumed to be a koinobiont endoparasitoid of Lepidoptera larvae, though specific host records for this species have not been published.
Aleiodes texanus
Aleiodes texanus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Cresson in 1869. Like other members of the genus Aleiodes, it is a koinobiont endoparasitoid that develops inside host caterpillars, eventually killing and mummifying them. The species is known from limited records, with at least one observation documented on iNaturalist. The genus Aleiodes has been extensively studied in tropical regions, with many new species described from Ecuador and other Neotropical areas, though A. texanus appears to be a more temperate North American species based on its original description.
Aliolus
Aliolus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Thomas Say in 1836. These wasps are members of the diverse braconid lineage, which contains thousands of species primarily known for their role as parasitoids of other insects. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources treating it as a subgenus of Eubazus. Available occurrence records are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Alysiinae
Alysiinae are a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps containing over 1000 described species worldwide. They are koinobiont endoparasitoids of Cyclorrhapha Diptera, with females ovipositing into host eggs or larvae and killing the host at the puparium stage. Several species have been utilized in biocontrol programs. They are closely related to the Opiinae.
Blacini
Blacini is a tribe of braconid parasitoid wasps within the subfamily Brachistinae. Members are minute, dark-colored wasps with distinctive non-cyclostome mouthparts and a carina along the posterior head margin. The tribe was elevated from subfamily status in 2011 based on molecular phylogenetic evidence. The genus Blacus dominates the tribe with approximately 40 described New World species and cosmopolitan distribution, while remaining genera are largely restricted to South and Central America.
Blacus chillcotti
Blacus chillcotti is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by van Achterberg in 1976. Members of the genus Blacus are known as parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly those in the family Curculionidae (weevils). The species is part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp radiation, which contains thousands of species specialized in biological control of insect pests. Specific details about B. chillcotti remain limited in published literature.
Cenocoeliinae
Cenocoeliinae is a subfamily of braconid wasps comprising medium-sized parasitoids (3-11 mm). They are distinguished by the high attachment of the metasoma on the propodeum, contrasting with most braconids where attachment occurs just above the hind coxa. Members are non-cyclostome and possess relatively large heads, often with darkly colored wings. Females have long ovipositors adapted for reaching hosts concealed within plant tissues. The group has been documented as koinobiont endoparasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids, curculionids, buprestids, and scolytines.
Chelonus
Chelonus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Cheloninae. These wasps are internal parasites of moth larvae, particularly those in superfamilies Tortricoidea and Pyraloidea. The genus contains approximately 139 species in North America north of Mexico. Chelonus wasps exhibit a distinctive abdominal structure where the first three dorsal segments are fused into a single plate, making them relatively easy to identify among braconids.
Coelinius
Coelinius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Nees in 1818. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids, meaning they develop inside living hosts without immediately killing them. The genus is part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna and contributes to biological control of host populations. Records indicate presence in northern European regions.
Compsobraconoides
Compsobraconoides is a genus of braconid wasps described by Quicke in 1989. The genus belongs to the family Braconidae, a large group of parasitoid wasps that primarily develop in or on other insects. As a recently described genus, published information on its biology and species composition remains limited. The genus was erected based on morphological characters that distinguish it from related genera, particularly Compsobracon.
Cotesia empretiae
Saddleback Caterpillar Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia empretiae is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae that specializes in attacking caterpillars, particularly the saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea). Females hunt actively on foliage, using their ovipositor to deposit eggs inside host caterpillars. The wasp larvae develop internally, eventually emerging through the host's skin to spin characteristic white silk cocoons on the exterior. Like other Cotesia species, this wasp transmits a polydnavirus during oviposition that suppresses the host's immune system, enabling successful parasitoid development.
Cotesia hemileucae
Cotesia hemileucae is a parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae that specializes in attacking caterpillars. It is a koinobiont endoparasitoid, meaning it develops inside a living host. The species is known to parasitize the saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea), a stinging limacodid caterpillar. Like other Cotesia species, it employs polydnaviruses to suppress the host immune system, enabling its larvae to develop successfully.
Cotesia theclae
Cotesia theclae is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae that parasitizes caterpillars of lycaenid butterflies. The species was described by Riley in 1881 and has been documented as a parasitoid of larval Lycaena xanthoides, representing a new host record reported in 2007. Like other members of the genus Cotesia, it is presumed to use polydnaviruses to suppress host immune systems, though this specific mechanism has not been directly confirmed for C. theclae.
Crassomicrodus
Crassomicrodus is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Agathidinae. The genus was established by Ashmead in 1900. The best-known species, C. fulvescens, has been recorded from the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Members of this genus are parasitoids, with one tentative host association reported for C. fulvescens.
Cremnops ashmeadi
Pegasus wasp
Cremnops ashmeadi is a species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, first described by Morrison in 1917. Like other members of the genus Cremnops, it is characterized by an elongated, equine-like head that superficially resembles the mythological winged horse Pegasus, leading to the common name 'Pegasus wasps' for this genus. Species of Cremnops are parasitoids of caterpillars, specifically targeting larvae in the families Pyralidae and Crambidae. The genus occurs in terrestrial habitats worldwide, with C. ashmeadi known from North America.
Cremnops crassifemur
Cremnops crassifemur is a braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, first described by Muesebeck in 1927. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp that attacks caterpillars. Species in this genus are relatively large compared to many other braconids and possess distinctive morphological features.
Cremnops desertor
Cremnops desertor is a braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, North America, and Southern Asia. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp with a distinctive elongated, equine-like head shape.
Cremnops haematodes
Cremnops haematodes is a species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, first described by Brullé in 1846. It was previously known under the synonym C. nigrosternum (Morrison, 1917) until a 2015 revision synonymized the two names. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp targeting caterpillars, particularly those in the families Pyralidae and Crambidae. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America.
Cremnoptini
Cremnoptini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Braconidae. Members are small to minute wasps that parasitize the larval stages of various insects. The tribe is relatively small and understudied compared to other braconid groups. Cremnoptini wasps are characterized by reduced wing venation and compact body forms.
Dinocampus
Dinocampus is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae. The genus contains at least 25 described species, with Dinocampus coccinellae being the most extensively studied. Members of this genus are endoparasitoids of lady beetles (Coccinellidae), exhibiting complex host manipulation behaviors including the induction of partial paralysis that causes hosts to guard developing wasp cocoons. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and has been recorded from multiple continents.
Dinocampus coccinellae
Ladybird Parasitoid Wasp
Dinocampus coccinellae is a solitary braconid wasp that parasitizes lady beetles (Coccinellidae). The female wasp deposits a single egg into the host's abdomen, where the larva develops through four instars over 18–27 days before emerging. Upon emergence, the larva paralyzes the host and spins a cocoon attached to the ladybird's legs. The paralyzed host remains alive, twitching occasionally, and serves as a protective bodyguard that deters predators with its bright coloration and defensive movements. Approximately 25% of hosts recover after the wasp completes development. The wasp is notable for co-injecting Dinocampus coccinellae paralysis virus (DcPV) with its egg, which facilitates host manipulation.
Doryctinus
Doryctinus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Doryctinae. These wasps are part of a diverse group of koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack concealed hosts, particularly wood-boring beetle larvae. The genus was established by Roman in 1910 and remains poorly known, with limited species-level documentation and few observational records.
Helcon
Helcon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Nees in 1812. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Helconinae, a group characterized by their association with wood-boring beetle larvae as hosts. The genus is found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with documented occurrences in Scandinavia. As with other braconid wasps, species in Helcon are likely solitary parasitoids, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Homolobinae
Homolobinae is a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps containing three genera: Exasticolus, Homolobus, and Westwoodiella. Members are relatively large braconids, often nocturnal, and function as koinobiont endoparasitoids of caterpillars. The subfamily was previously expanded to include Charmontinae as a tribe. They can be distinguished from similar Macrocentrinae by the presence of an occipital carina.
Homolobus
Homolobus is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Homolobinae, tribe Homolobini. These moderate to large parasitoid wasps (4.4–14.6 mm body length) are characterized by distinctive wing venation and occipital carina. The genus contains approximately 55 species distributed across five subgenera and has a cosmopolitan distribution. They are endoparasitoids of caterpillars, particularly those in the families Noctuidae and Geometridae.
Homolobus infumator
Homolobus infumator is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Homolobinae. It was first described from Britain in 1914 and has since been recorded across northern Europe and Iran. Specimens in Iran were collected using Malaise traps during spring through autumn, indicating an extended seasonal activity period. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features including a truncate face and reduced wing venation.
Hypomicrogaster
Hypomicrogaster is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, containing over 40 described species. The genus was taxonomically revised in 2015, with 40 new species described and four previously named species redescribed. Species in this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented associations to 11 lepidopteran families and 52 confirmed host species feeding on 34 plant families. The genus is distributed across North, Central, and South America.
Hypomicrogaster zonaria
A species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Microgastrinae, redescribed and redelimited in a 2015 taxonomic review of the genus Hypomicrogaster. Originally described by Say in 1836, it is one of the four previously named species in the genus. Like other members of Hypomicrogaster, it is a parasitoid wasp, though specific host records for this species remain unconfirmed in available literature.
Microgastrinae
Microgastrinae is a subfamily of braconid wasps containing approximately 3,000 described species, with an estimated total diversity of 30,000–50,000 species. Members are small koinobiont endoparasitoids of larval Lepidoptera, and represent one of the most species-rich groups of parasitoid wasps. They are distinguished by their 18-segmented antennae and association with polydnaviruses, which are essential for successful parasitism.
Odontobracon
Odontobracon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Cameron in 1887. Members of this genus are part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna, characterized by their role as parasitoids of other insects. The genus is represented by very few observations in biodiversity databases, suggesting it is either rare, poorly sampled, or taxonomically cryptic. Braconid wasps in this group generally possess the family-typical features of reduced wing venation and larval development inside or on host insects.
Spathius elegans
Spathius elegans is a doryctine braconid wasp described by Matthews in 1970. It is widespread in the eastern United States. The species is an ectoparasite of larvae in the sawfly genus Xiphydria.
Stiropius
Stiropius is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the tribe Rogadini. The genus was revised for the Nearctic region in 1988, with three Nearctic species recognized: S. bucculatricis, S. californicus, and S. wagneri. Bucculatriplex was synonymized with Stiropius. The genus appears to represent a relatively basal branch of the Rogadini lineage.
Townesilitus
Townesilitus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Haeselbarth and Loan in 1983. The genus is known from Scandinavia and Denmark, with very few documented observations. As a member of Braconidae, these wasps likely function as larval parasitoids of other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in available sources.
Zele
Zele is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae, containing approximately 30 species worldwide. The genus is distinguished by specific wing venation features: presence of vein r-m on the fore wing, a rhomboid or quadrate second submarginal cell of the fore wing, and an apically widened marginal cell on the hind wing. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. The genus is widespread across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions but absent from the Afrotropical and Australian regions.