Encyrtidae
Guides
Acerophagus
Acerophagus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Smith in 1880. Species in this genus are primary endoparasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with several species employed in classical and augmentative biological control programs worldwide. The genus includes notable species such as A. papayae, which has been successfully used to manage the invasive papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Members exhibit koinobiont development and variable reproductive strategies including arrhenotokous parthenogenesis.
Adelencyrtus
Adelencyrtus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ashmead in 1900. The genus comprises species that are parasitoids of scale insects, particularly armored scales (Diaspididae). Members of this genus are small, typically 1-2 mm in length, with reduced wing venation characteristic of many Encyrtidae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with records from North America, Asia, and other regions. Species of Adelencyrtus have been documented as important biological control agents against scale insect pests in agricultural and horticultural systems.
Adelencyrtus intersectus
Adelencyrtus intersectus is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described as Encyrtus intersectus by Fonscolombe in 1832. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources listing it as a synonym of Epitetracnemus intersectus while Catalogue of Life maintains it as an accepted species within Adelencyrtus. It is known from Canada with records from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Aenasius
Aenasius is a genus of solitary endoparasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus are specialized parasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with documented hosts including the invasive cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis. The genus has been extensively studied for its potential in biological control of agricultural pests, particularly in cotton-growing regions. Some species show remarkable developmental plasticity in response to temperature, enabling them to track their hosts across invaded ranges.
Aeptencyrtus
Aeptencyrtus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. The genus was described by De Santis in 1964. Based on collection records from the UCR Encyrtidae holdings, at least one species, Aeptencyrtus bruchi, has been documented. The genus belongs to a large and economically important family of chalcid wasps, many of which are used in biological control programs.
Aeptencyrtus bruchi
Aeptencyrtus bruchi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. It was originally described as Pheidoloxenus bruchi by De Santis in 1957 and later transferred to the genus Aeptencyrtus. The species is present in the Hawaiian Islands and is represented in major entomological collections including the University of California, Riverside Encyrtidae holdings.
Afrida
Afrida is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). The genus is represented in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) entomology collection, which holds one of the largest and most important Encyrtidae collections globally. Specimens of Afrida in this collection were sorted to genus level by J. Noyes in 1998 as part of a major reorganization effort. The UCR collection contains representatives of 261 valid encyrtid genera, with many undetermined specimens requiring further taxonomic study.
Ageniaspis
Ageniaspis is a genus of polyembryonic encyrtid parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. The genus contains species that are important biological control agents, particularly Ageniaspis citricola, which has been widely introduced for classical biological control of the citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella) in multiple countries including the United States, Brazil, and Tunisia. Another species, Ageniaspis fuscicollis, is a parasitoid of the apple ermine moth (Yponomeuta malinellus). Species in this genus exhibit arrhenotokous parthenogenesis and are characterized by their ability to produce multiple offspring from single eggs through polyembryony.
Ageniaspis bicoloripes
Ageniaspis bicoloripes is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Girault in 1915. The species is known from scattered records across eastern North America, including Massachusetts, New York, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a parasitoid of insects, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented in the provided sources. The species is represented in the UCR Encyrtidae collection, one of the largest collections of this family globally.
Anagyrus
Anagyrus is a large genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing at least 247 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are specialized parasitoids primarily targeting mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with several species commercially important for biological control of agricultural pests. The genus includes notable species such as A. pseudococci, A. lopezi, and A. vladimiri, which have been extensively studied and deployed for managing mealybug infestations in crops including cassava, citrus, and grapes. A subgenus, Nesoanagyrus, was established by Beardsley in 1969.
Anagyrus aper
Anagyrus aper is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Noyes & Menezes in 2000. It belongs to the genus Anagyrus, a group of wasps known primarily as parasitoids of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The species has been recorded from New Hampshire, Ontario, and Texas, suggesting a Nearctic distribution. Like other members of its genus, it likely functions as a biological control agent of pest mealybugs, though specific host associations and biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Anagyrus californicus
Anagyrus californicus is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described by Compere in 1947 as Apoanagyrus californicus. It is a specialized parasitoid of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with documented records from California, Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii. The species has been utilized in biological control programs targeting mealybug pests in agricultural systems.
Anagyrus paralia
Anagyrus paralia is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Noyes and Menezes in 2000. It belongs to the genus Anagyrus, which contains numerous species used in biological control of mealybugs and other scale insects. The specific epithet "paralia" suggests a coastal or shore-associated habitat, though detailed ecological data remain limited. Like other Anagyrus species, it is presumed to be a primary parasitoid of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), but host records specific to this species have not been documented in the available literature.
Anagyrus pulchricornis
Anagyrus pulchricornis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Howard in 1894. It belongs to a genus widely used in biological control programs targeting mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The species is known from the Caribbean region, with records from Jamaica, the Grenadines, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Like other members of Anagyrus, it likely parasitizes mealybug hosts, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Anagyrus shahidi
Anagyrus shahidi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Hayat in 1979. It belongs to a genus widely used in biological control programs targeting mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The species has been recorded from India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan), Florida (USA), and Sulawesi Tengah (Indonesia). Like other Anagyrus species, it likely functions as a primary parasitoid of mealybugs, though specific host associations for A. shahidi remain incompletely documented.
Anagyrus trinidadensis
Anagyrus trinidadensis is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described from Trinidad. The species belongs to a genus of significant economic importance for biological control of mealybugs and other scale insects. Like congeners, it likely functions as a primary parasitoid of Pseudococcidae, though specific host records for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Blastothrix
Blastothrix is a genus of encyrtid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. The genus includes species that function as parasitoids of scale insects, with Blastothrix sericea being a notable example used in classical biological control. This species was successfully introduced from England to British Columbia in 1928-1929 to manage the lecanium scale (Eulecanium coryli), achieving 90-100% parasitism rates and suppressing host populations within four years.
Blepyrus
Blepyrus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. Species within this genus are known biological control agents that parasitize mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus includes at least five described species: B. clavicornis, B. insularis, B. kirkpatricki, B. saccharicola, and B. schwarzi. These wasps have been studied for their potential in managing agricultural pests, particularly species attacking economically important mealybugs.
Bothriothorax
Bothriothorax is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ratzeburg in 1844. The genus belongs to the subfamily Encyrtinae, a diverse group of chalcidoid wasps known primarily as parasitoids of scale insects and other Hemiptera. Species of Bothriothorax have been documented in the United States and India, with multiple species recorded in entomological collections. The genus is represented in major Encyrtidae collections including the University of California, Riverside holdings.
Cerchysiella scutellata
Cerchysiella scutellata is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Howard in 1897. The genus Cerchysiella is part of one of the largest and most important collections of Encyrtidae at the University of California, Riverside. Specimens of this species are represented in major entomological collections and have been documented from point-mounted specimens at UCR.
Cerchysius
Cerchysius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Westwood in 1832. Species in this genus are known to attack scale insects (Coccoidea), serving as biological control agents. The genus is represented in major entomological collections including the UCR Encyrtidae holdings, which contains multiple Cerchysius species. Cerchysius species have been recorded from Brazil, Denmark, and New Caledonia.
Cheiloneurus
parasitic wasp
Cheiloneurus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus function primarily as hyperparasitoids, attacking other parasitoid wasps that develop within scale insects, mealybugs, and other hemipteran hosts. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a group of coarse bristles at the apex of the scutellum and a long marginal vein on the fore wings. Cheiloneurus species have been recorded from multiple continents including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, with some species being utilized or studied for biological control applications.
Cirrhencyrtus
Cirrhencyrtus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, described by Timberlake in 1918. Species in this genus are known to parasitize mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with documented associations with Ferrisia virgata and Dysmicoccus brevipes in southern Chiapas, Mexico. The genus is represented in major entomological collections, including the UCR Encyrtidae collection, which holds specimens of C. ehrhorni and C. diversicolor.
Copidosoma
copidosoma wasp
Copidosoma is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, comprising over 200 species of polyembryonic parasitoids. These wasps deposit one or two eggs into host Lepidoptera eggs, which then proliferate into thousands of genetically identical embryos. A unique caste system produces two larval morphs: sterile soldiers that defend the host from competitors and reproductive larvae that consume the host and emerge as adults. The genus has been extensively studied for its extreme clonal reproduction and is widely used in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
Copidosoma floridanum
Copidosoma floridanum is a polyembryonic parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, notable for producing the largest recorded brood of any parasitoidal insect—up to 3,055 individuals from a single egg. Females oviposit into the eggs of plusiine moths, and the resulting embryos undergo clonal division to form genetically identical siblings. The brood develops into two distinct castes: reproductive larvae that emerge as adult wasps, and sterile soldier larvae that defend their siblings from competitors.
Copidosoma lymani
Copidosoma lymani is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Howard in 1907. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a polyembryonic parasitoid that develops within lepidopteran hosts. The species is known from Canada, specifically Ontario. Very little species-specific biological information has been published.
Copidosoma pyralidis
Copidosoma pyralidis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ashmead in 1888. Like other members of its genus, it is an endoparasitoid that develops inside host insects. The species is documented from the eastern United States and Canada.
Dendrocranulus californicus
Dendrocranulus californicus is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, a group within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. The genus Dendrocranulus is represented in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Encyrtidae collection, one of the largest and most important collections of this family globally. Species in this genus are parasitoids, typically associated with scale insects or other hemipteran hosts. The specific epithet 'californicus' indicates a geographic association with California.
Dicarnosis
Dicarnosis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. The genus was erected by Mercet in 1921. Species within this genus are known from Mexico, Sweden, and Norway based on available records. The type species Dicarnosis superba was described from Spain. At least four species are currently recognized: D. ripariensis, D. superba, D. vicina, and additional undetermined species.
Discodes
Discodes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species in this genus are known as parasitoids of scale insects (Coccoidea), with documented host associations including Sphaerolecanium prunastri, the globose scale insect. The genus was established by Foerster in 1856 and contains multiple described species distributed across several continents.
Diversinervus
Diversinervus is a genus of encyrtid parasitoid wasps in the tribe Cheiloneurini. The genus comprises approximately twelve species worldwide, including the notable D. elegans, which has been studied for its biological control potential against scale insects. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids, developing within their hosts. The genus was established by Silvestri in 1915 and has been the subject of recent research on venom biochemistry and viral associations.
Ectromatopsis
Ectromatopsis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. The genus was established by Compere in 1947. Members of this genus are chalcid wasps, a group characterized by reduced wing venation and parasitoid lifestyles. The genus is represented in major entomological collections, including the University of California Riverside Encyrtidae collection, which holds voucher specimens of Ectromatopsis americanum (Howard).
Ectromatopsis americana
Ectromatopsis americana is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, a large and diverse family within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. The species was described by Howard in 1898. As with other encyrtid wasps, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations and biological details remain poorly documented in published literature. The genus Ectromatopsis is relatively obscure, with limited species-level information available.
Epanusia
Epanusia is a genus of encyrtid wasps established by Girault in 1913. It belongs to the subtribe Platencyrtina within the tribe Discodini. The genus is part of the large and diverse family Encyrtidae, which contains numerous parasitoid species associated with various insect hosts. A redescription of Epanusia xerophila from Canada has been published, but biological information remains limited.
Ericydnus
Ericydnus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. The genus was established by Haliday in 1832 and includes species formerly placed in Grandoriella. Members are known from the Palearctic region, with records from Europe and China. Species in this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain incompletely documented. The genus is represented in major entomological collections, including the UCR Encyrtidae holdings.
Eusemion
Eusemion is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Dahlbom in 1857. The genus is represented in the UCR Encyrtidae collection by specimens identified as Eusemion longipennis (Ashmead) and additional undetermined species. Encyrtidae are small chalcidoid wasps that parasitize other insects, particularly scale insects and other Hemiptera. The family is one of the most species-rich groups within Chalcidoidea, with the UCR collection containing representatives of 261 valid genera.
Euspilotus incertus
Euspilotus incertus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae. The genus Euspilotus comprises small chalcidoid wasps, and this species is documented in the extensive Encyrtidae collection at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). The specific epithet "incertus" (Latin for "uncertain") suggests historical taxonomic ambiguity regarding its placement or identification. Members of this genus are known to parasitize scale insects and other homopteran pests.
Gyranusoidea
Gyranusoidea is a genus of encyrtid parasitoid wasps established by Compere in 1947. The genus contains species that are primary parasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with several species deployed as biological control agents for agricultural pest management. Gyranusoidea tebygi is the most extensively studied species, introduced from India to West Africa in 1987 to control the invasive mango mealybug Rastrococcus invadens, where it established readily and achieved significant pest suppression. Other species such as G. indica have been reported as parasitoids of additional mealybug pests including Maconellicoccus hirsutus.
Hexacladia hilaris
Hexacladia hilaris is a parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae. It was described by Burks in 1972 and has been recorded in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the United States, and Brazil. The species is associated with stink bugs (Pentatomidae) and has been documented parasitizing Chinavia erythrocnemis in Brazil.
Ixodiphagus
Ixodiphagus is a genus of minute chalcidoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, comprising approximately 10–11 described species worldwide. These wasps are obligate parasitoids of ticks (order Ixodida), with females ovipositing into larval or nymphal tick hosts. The genus was erected by Leland Ossian Howard in 1907, with I. texanus as the type species. Ixodiphagus has been extensively studied as a potential biological control agent for medically and veterinary important tick species due to its unique host-specific biology.
Ixodiphagus hookeri
tick wasp
Ixodiphagus hookeri, commonly known as the tick wasp, is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae that specializes in attacking hard ticks (Ixodidae). Females oviposit eggs into unfed tick nymphs, with development proceeding only after the host engorges on vertebrate blood. The wasp harbors the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis, which appears to suppress the tick's immune response and facilitate successful parasitism. This species has been recorded from numerous tick genera worldwide and is considered a promising candidate for biological control of tick vectors of human and animal disease.
Lamennaisia
Lamennaisia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Girault in 1922. The genus belongs to the subfamily Encyrtinae, a diverse group of chalcidoid wasps known for their role as biological control agents of scale insects and other Hemiptera. The type species is Lamennaisia ambigua (Nees). Specimens of this genus have been documented in museum collections including the University of California, Riverside Encyrtidae holdings, which contains both pinned and slide-mounted material.
Lamennaisia ambigua
Lamennaisia ambigua is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described as Encyrtus ambiguus by Nees in 1834. It is one of the species represented in the University of California Riverside's extensive Encyrtidae collection, which is noted as one of the largest and most important collections of this family worldwide. The species has been recorded from Canada (Saskatchewan), Denmark, Norway, and Madeira Island (Portugal).
Leptomastidea
Leptomastidea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), first described by Mercet in 1916. The genus contains approximately 24 described species worldwide, with members distributed across the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, and Oriental regions. Species are primary parasitoids of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with some species also attacking eriococcids (Eriococcidae). Several species, particularly L. abnormis and L. dactylopii, have been widely used in classical and augmentative biological control programs against citrus and vine mealybugs. The genus is classified in the tribe Anagyrini based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence.
Leptomastidea abnormis
Leptomastidea abnormis is an encyrtid parasitoid wasp native to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with introduced populations in Europe and elsewhere. It is a primary parasitoid of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), particularly the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri, and is widely used in biological control programs. Females exhibit size-dependent host selection, preferring second-instar mealybugs but also attacking later instars and adults. The species shows temperature-dependent reproduction, with maximum progeny production at 24°C maintained up to 34°C. Sex allocation follows host quality models, with female-biased sex ratios on larger hosts.
Lycostomus sanguineus
Lycostomus sanguineus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, a group of tiny wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Members of this family are primarily known as parasitoids of other insects, particularly scale insects, mealybugs, and other Hemiptera. The genus Lycostomus is a relatively small and poorly documented group within the Encyrtidae, with limited published information available on its biology and host associations.
Metanotalia
Metanotalia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Mercet in 1921. The genus belongs to the subfamily Encyrtinae and is characterized by features of the mesosoma and metanotum. The type species, Metanotalia maderensis (Walker), was originally described from Madeira. Members of this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented in published literature.
Metanotalia maderensis
Metanotalia maderensis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described by Walker in 1872 as Ectroma maderense. It is endemic to the Madeira archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. The genus Metanotalia is a small group within the Encyrtidae, a family known for their role as parasitoids of scale insects and other hemipteran pests. Specimens of this species are held in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Encyrtidae collection, one of the largest collections of this family globally.
Metaphycus
Metaphycus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Mercet in 1917. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and comprises numerous species that are important biological control agents, particularly of scale insects (Coccoidea). Species such as Metaphycus helvolus and M. luteolus have been widely used in classical biological control programs against soft scale pests in agriculture.
Metaphycus matteolus
Metaphycus matteolus is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Compere in 1947. The species belongs to a genus of primary parasitoids known for attacking scale insects (Coccoidea). Like other Metaphycus species, M. matteolus is likely associated with soft scale hosts, though specific host records for this species are not well documented in available literature. The genus Metaphycus contains numerous species used in classical biological control programs against scale insect pests.