Braconidae
Guides
Oenonogastra
Oenonogastra is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Ashmead in 1900. As a member of the Braconidae, it belongs to a large family of wasps that parasitize other insects. The genus is rarely encountered in collections and field observations, with limited published information on its biology.
Orgilus
Orgilus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Species within this genus are internal parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including pyralid and gelechiid moth pests. Several species have been studied as biological control agents for agricultural pests.
Orthostigma
A genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Alysiinae, established by Ratzeburg in 1844. The genus has been subdivided into multiple subgenera including Whartonstigma and Patrisaspilota, with species described from Europe, Papua New Guinea, and broader Australasia. Taxonomic revisions indicate substantial morphological diversity within the genus, though biological data remain limited.
Pambolus
Pambolus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Pambolinae. The genus was established by Haliday in 1836. Species have been documented from the Oriental region, including recent descriptions from the western Himalayas of India. Members are small wasps with limited published biological data.
Parahormius
Parahormius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Hormiinae of Braconidae. Members are known to attack pupal stages of Lyonetiidae (Lepidoptera). The genus was established by Nixon in 1940 and contains species distributed across India, the Palearctic region, and the Russian Far East.
Paroligoneurus
Paroligoneurus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Ichneutinae. The genus was established by Muesebeck in 1931. At least one species, P. indicus, has been described from northern India. Members of this genus are small braconid wasps, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Pentapleura
Pentapleura is a genus name applied to two unrelated taxonomic groups: a genus of parasitoid wasps in family Braconidae (subfamily Alysiinae) and a genus of flowering plants in family Lamiaceae. The wasp genus includes species such as Pentapleura foveolata, known from the eastern United States. The plant genus contains a single species, Pentapleura subulifera, native to southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq.
Perilitini
Perilitini is a small tribe of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae. Members are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, primarily associated with hosts in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths). The tribe is characterized by reduced wing venation and a compact body form. Taxonomic boundaries within Perilitini have been historically unstable, with some genera transferred to or from related tribes based on molecular phylogenetic studies.
Phaenocarpa
Phaenocarpa is a genus of koinobiont endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae (subfamily Alysiinae, tribe Alysiini). Species are known to parasitize dipteran larvae, with documented hosts including families Anthomyiidae, Chloropidae, Clusiidae, Drosophilidae, Muscidae, Scathophagidae, Sciomyzidae, and Syrphidae. Adults emerge from host puparia using specialized exodont mandible teeth. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with records from Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has been studied for potential biological control applications against pest flies.
Polystenidea
Polystenidea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Viereck in 1911. Members of this genus are part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna, which are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal species-level information available.
Promicrogaster
Promicrogaster is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, comprising over 40 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. Members are small wasps that develop as endoparasitoids of caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae). The genus was established by Brues and Richardson in 1913.
Proterops proteroptoides
Proterops proteroptoides is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by Viereck in 1905. The genus Proterops belongs to the ichneumonoid wasps, a group characterized by their parasitoid lifestyle. This species has been recorded from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other braconids, it likely develops as a parasitoid of other insects, but specific host associations have not been documented.
Pseudognaptodon
Pseudognaptodon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Fischer in 1965. The genus belongs to the subfamily Microgastrinae, a diverse group of koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack Lepidoptera larvae. Very little is known about the biology of this genus, and no species-level identifications are commonly reported. The name suggests a relationship to the genus Gnaptodon, though the precise morphological distinction between these taxa requires examination of type specimens.
Pygostolus
Pygostolus is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Blacinae, comprising approximately eight described species. The genus is best known through studies of P. falcatus, an endoparasitoid of weevils in the genus Sitona. These wasps exhibit thelytokous parthenogenesis and develop as solitary endoparasitoids within the haemocoele of their hosts. The genus has been investigated for biological control applications, particularly against sweetclover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis), though effectiveness is limited by phenological asynchrony and diapause.
Rhysipolinae
Rhysipolinae is a small cosmopolitan subfamily of braconid wasps comprising approximately 10 genera and more than 80 species. Members are cyclostome wasps characterized by koinobiont ectoparasitoid biology—a rare strategy among Braconidae that deviates from the more common koinobiont-endoparasitoid or idiobiont-ectoparasitoid modes. The subfamily has been taxonomically challenging due to the absence of exclusive morphological diagnostic features, though recent phylogenomic analyses using ultraconserved elements have confirmed its monophyly and clarified some generic boundaries.
Rhysipolis
Rhysipolis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Rhysipolinae (Braconidae), comprising approximately 22 described species. Species are small, with body lengths of 2.5–4.0 mm and fore wing lengths of 2.2–4.0 mm. The genus is distributed across the East Palaearctic and Oriental regions, with records from China, Russia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and parts of Europe. Members are koinobiont ectoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including bagworm moths (Psychidae) and snout moths (Pyralidae).
Rogadinae
Mummy Wasps
Rogadinae is a large, cosmopolitan subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps commonly known as "mummy wasps." Members are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, uniquely characterized by causing their host caterpillars to mummify—the wasp larva pupates within the desiccated host remains. The subfamily contains six tribes (Aleiodini, Betylobraconini, Clinocentrini, Rogadini, Stiropiini, Yeliconini) and is especially diverse in the genus Aleiodes. Several species are important natural biological control agents of agricultural pest caterpillars.
Sathon
Sathon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Mason in 1981. These insects belong to the order Hymenoptera and are part of the diverse group of wasps, ants, and bees. The genus is known from limited observations, with distribution records indicating presence in Norway and Sweden.
Schizoprymnus
Schizoprymnus is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Brachistinae, comprising 126 extant species distributed worldwide except the Neotropical region. Species are ovo-larval koinobiont endoparasitoids of coleopterous larvae, particularly weevils and related beetle families. The genus is characterized by a distinctive carapace formed by the fusion of the anterior three metasomal tergites.
Shawiana
Shawiana is a genus of braconid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by van Achterberg in 1983. The genus belongs to the order Hymenoptera and is part of the diverse parasitoid wasp family Braconidae. No detailed biological information is available for this genus.
Spathius
Spathius is a genus of doryctine wasps in the family Braconidae. Species within this genus are larval parasitoids of wood-boring beetles, with several species introduced to North America as biological control agents for the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). The genus includes both native and introduced species that exhibit host-specific relationships with their beetle hosts.
Stantonia
Stantonia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Ashmead in 1904. The genus belongs to the diverse ichneumonoid lineage of wasps, which are characterized by their parasitic lifestyle targeting other insects. Based on iNaturalist records, the genus is rarely encountered, with only three documented observations. Members of Braconidae are generally small to medium-sized wasps with reduced wing venation compared to their relatives in Ichneumonidae.
Stiropius bucculatricis
A parasitoid wasp in family Braconidae, originally described by Ashmead in 1889. The species epithet indicates an association with leaf-mining moths in family Bucculatricidae. One of three recognized Nearctic species in genus Stiropius.
Syntretini
Syntretini is a tribe of parasitic wasps within the subfamily Euphorinae (family Braconidae). Members of this tribe are endoparasitoids, with known hosts including adult beetles (Coleoptera) and possibly other insects. The tribe has been subject to phylogenetic study to clarify its relationships within Euphorinae and evolution of host associations.
Therophilus
Therophilus is a genus of koinobiont, solitary, larval endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Members are specialized parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented associations including pest species such as Maruca vitrata (legume pod borer), Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth), and Epiphyas postvittana (light brown apple moth). The genus is notable for its distinctive black, red-orange, and white coloration pattern, which appears to be part of a putative mimicry complex with other braconid wasps. Several species have been evaluated or deployed as biological control agents against agricultural pests.
Toxoneuron
Toxoneuron is a genus of koinobiont endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. The best-studied species, Toxoneuron nigriceps, is a specialist parasitoid of the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens). Members of this genus develop internally within host larvae, with a distinctive post-egression feeding phase where larvae feed externally on host tissues before pupation. The genus exhibits sophisticated host manipulation mechanisms including polydnavirus-mediated immune suppression and teratocyte-derived physiological regulation.
Toxoneuron nigriceps
Toxoneuron nigriceps is a koinobiont endoparasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae. It is highly host-specific to the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens, and historically provided substantial natural biological control in agricultural systems. The species exhibits complex host manipulation strategies including injection of polydnavirus, venom, and ovarian proteins during oviposition, followed by a distinctive postegression feeding phase where larvae exit the host to feed externally on liquefied tissues before pupation.
Trachionus
Trachionus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Haliday in 1833. The genus contains approximately 13-17 described species. Larvae are parasitoids of Phytobia larvae, which are agromyzid flies that mine plant stems and roots.
Triaspis
Triaspis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Species within this genus are biological control agents that parasitize weevil larvae and eggs, particularly those of agricultural pests. The genus includes species such as T. thoracicus, an egg-larval parasitoid of pea weevils, and T. aequoris, a larval parasitoid of sunflower seed weevils.
Trioxys
Trioxys is a genus of aphid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Aphidiinae (Braconidae). Species within this genus are internal parasitoids of aphids and have been studied for their biological control potential against agricultural pests. Some species, such as T. indicus, exhibit adaptive learning in host discrimination behavior, with experience reducing superparasitism and improving oviposition efficiency. Other species, including T. utilis and T. pallidus, have been deployed or studied for management of specific aphid pests in crops such as alfalfa and hazelnut.
Triraphis harrisinae
Triraphis harrisinae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Ashmead in 1889. The genus Triraphis belongs to the diverse ichneumonoid wasp superfamily, members of which are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. This species is rarely encountered in collections and field observations, with only 8 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the data cutoff.
Unplaced
Unplaced is a genus of braconid wasps within the tribe Heterospilini, subfamily Doryctinae. The genus was established to accommodate species that could not be assigned to existing genera within this diverse tribe of parasitoid wasps. A 2013 study on Costa Rican Doryctinae described 286 species in Heterospilini, with additional specimens remaining in this genus pending further taxonomic resolution. The genus reflects the extraordinary undescribed biodiversity of braconid wasps in tropical regions.
Urosigalphus
A genus of braconid wasps comprising over 100 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. Species in this genus are parasitoids, with documented associations including beetle hosts in families Bruchidae and Curculionidae. Colombian species have been collected primarily from forest understories using Malaise traps.
Utetes
Utetes is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Opiinae, comprising larva-pupal parasitoids of tephritid fruit flies. Species such as U. anastrephae and U. tabellariae are native to the Americas and have been studied for their potential in biological control of agricultural pests. These wasps develop internally within host larvae and exhibit competitive advantages over sympatric parasitoid species.
Vipio
Vipio is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Latreille in 1805. Species in this genus are known to parasitize beetle larvae, particularly those in the family Curculionidae (weevils). The genus occurs across northern Europe and has been documented in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Wroughtonia
Wroughtonia is a genus of braconid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Helconinae. The genus contains over 40 described species, with recent taxonomic work describing new species from Vietnam. As members of Braconidae, these wasps are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Wroughtonia ferruginea
Wroughtonia ferruginea is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, originally described by Brues in 1907. The genus Wroughtonia is part of the large and diverse ichneumonoid wasp superfamily, which contains thousands of species that primarily parasitize other insects. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Wroughtonia frigida
Wroughtonia frigida is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Cresson in 1873. The genus Wroughtonia belongs to the ichneumonoid wasp superfamily, a diverse group of parasitoids that attack other insects. Very little is known about the specific biology of this species. The species name 'frigida' suggests an association with cold environments, though this has not been explicitly documented.
Wroughtonia necydalidis
Wroughtonia necydalidis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Helconinae. It belongs to a genus of braconid wasps known for attacking wood-boring beetle larvae. The species epithet references its association with the longhorn beetle genus Necydalis. Like other members of Helconini, it likely functions as a koinobiont endoparasitoid of cerambycid beetle larvae.
Xenarcha
Xenarcha is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Exothecinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The genus was established by Förster in 1863. Taxonomic revisions have synonymized the names Pseudophanomeris and Shawiana with Xenarcha, treating them as subgenera. The Palaearctic fauna includes 28 known species. Recent taxonomic work from the Korean Peninsula has described additional species and clarified subgeneric classification.
Yelicones
Yelicones is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Rogadinae, containing at least 120 described species. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision in the Australasian region, where 14 species have been documented from Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji. As members of Braconidae, species in this genus are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Yelicones pilops
Yelicones pilops is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by Quicke and Kruft in 1995. It belongs to the genus Yelicones, a group of braconid wasps characterized by distinctive morphological features. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well documented. The species is known from limited collection records.
Zele albiditarsus
Zele albiditarsus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by John Curtis in 1832. The genus Zele comprises small to medium-sized braconid wasps that are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. This species has been recorded from parts of northwestern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As a member of the Braconidae, it is presumed to play a role in regulating populations of its host insects.
Zelomorpha
Zelomorpha is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae (superfamily Ichneumonoidea). Members of this genus are part of the hyperdiverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna, with numerous species remaining undescribed. The genus was used as a case study to demonstrate a novel rapid species description protocol combining mitochondrial DNA sequences with lateral holotype images. Species in this genus are known from the Neotropical region, particularly Costa Rica.