Endoparasitoid
Guides
Euphorinae
The Euphorinae are a large subfamily of Braconidae parasitoid wasps comprising over 1,270 described species worldwide. They are characterized as koinobiont endoparasitoids, typically attacking adult insects or nymphs of hemimetabolous hosts—a notably broad host range among parasitoid wasps. The subfamily is sister to the Meteorinae and has been used in biological pest control programs.
Glypta
Glypta is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. Species are endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, particularly tortricid moths including spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) and related forest pests. Several species have been studied for their role in biological control of economically important forest insects. Adult females locate host larvae using chemical cues and oviposit eggs internally; parasitoid larvae develop within the host and kill it upon emergence.
Glypta fumiferanae
Glypta fumiferanae is an ichneumonid wasp that parasitizes spruce budworm larvae (Choristoneura fumiferana and C. occidentalis). As an endoparasitoid, females deposit eggs inside host larvae, and developing wasp offspring consume the host from within. This species is a significant natural enemy of spruce budworm, a major defoliator of coniferous forests in North America. Adult females are synovigenic and require carbohydrate feeding (honey) for extended longevity and high fecundity; unfed adults survive only 2–5 days and produce far fewer eggs.
Gymnoclytia
Gymnoclytia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Phasiini. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), with documented associations with stink bugs in agricultural systems. The genus contains approximately 14 described species distributed in the Americas.
Heloridae
Heloridae is a family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Proctotrupoidea. The family is represented by a single extant genus, Helorus, with approximately 12-18 species distributed worldwide. Extant members are solitary endoparasitoids of Chrysopidae (green lacewing) larvae. The family is notable for its extensive fossil record, with numerous extinct genera documented from Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits in Asia and Europe.
Helorimorphini
Helorimorphini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Braconidae. Members are koinobiont endoparasitoids, meaning they develop inside living hosts without immediately killing them. The tribe is relatively small and understudied, with most species associated with lepidopteran hosts.
Hexacladia
Hexacladia is a genus of gregarious endoparasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Encyrtinae. Species develop as endoparasitoids within adult heteropteran bugs, primarily in the family Pentatomidae (stink bugs), with some records from Coreidae and Scutelleridae. Multiple parasitoid individuals typically emerge from a single host. The genus has been documented as a biological control agent of agricultural pest stink bugs in South America, including species that attack soybean and rice crops. Seven species are recorded from South America, with H. smithii being the most widely reported.
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.
Hyposoter
Hyposoter is a large cosmopolitan genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Campopleginae. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack various holometabolan insects, primarily Lepidoptera. The genus exhibits substantial species diversity with over 70 species recognized in the Western Palaearctic region alone. Swiss studies indicate higher species richness at low altitudes, with only three species considered high-altitude specialists.
Ichneumon centrator
centrator wasp
Ichneumon centrator is a North American endoparasitic ichneumonid wasp first described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration and is notable for its highly specialized host relationship with a single caterpillar species. Females overwinter as adults and require the sperm stored from autumn matings to fertilize eggs laid the following spring.
Ichneumoninae
Ichneumoninae is the second largest subfamily of Ichneumonidae, with over 420 genera and 4,375 described species distributed worldwide. Members are typically large, conspicuous, and often brightly colored parasitoid wasps. They are koinobiont or idiobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera, with larvae developing inside moth and butterfly caterpillars or pupae. The subfamily was recently reorganized from 15 tribes to 7 tribes, with Ichneumonini containing well over 300 genera.
Leiophron
Leiophron is a genus of endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Euphorinae. Species are known to parasitize plant bugs (Miridae), particularly nymphal and adult stages of Lygus species and related mirids. The genus has been taxonomically reviewed for Nearctic species, with multiple new species described and synonymies established. Leiophron species show distinct host associations and geographic distribution patterns, with documented occurrence in the Nearctic, Palaearctic, and Old World tropics.
Leskiini
Leskiini is a tribe of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 55 genera distributed worldwide. Members are endoparasitoids of arthropods, with larvae developing inside host organisms. Adults of at least some species visit flowers and contribute to pollination. The tribe includes both widespread genera such as Leskia and Solieria, and numerous regional endemics.
Lespesia
Lespesia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) distributed from Canada to Chile, with approximately 37 species in the Neotropical Region. Species are endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera caterpillars, with some records from sawfly larvae. The genus includes economically significant species such as L. archippivora, a major parasitoid of monarch butterfly larvae documented through extensive citizen science monitoring.
Mesoleius
Mesoleius is a genus of ichneumonid parasitoid wasps containing at least 160 described species. The genus is best known from detailed studies of Mesoleius tenthredinis, a biological control agent introduced to North America to manage larch sawfly populations. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of sawfly larvae, with females depositing eggs directly into host cocoons or larvae. The genus has been documented from Europe and North America.
Mesoleius tenthredinis
larch sawfly parasite
Mesoleius tenthredinis is a parasitoid ichneumonid wasp introduced from Europe to North America as a biological control agent against the larch sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii). Its embryonic development has been studied in detail, revealing characteristics of primitive endoparasitoids. The species exhibits a notable host-parasite interaction involving encapsulation immunity in some host populations. A putative baculovirus has been detected in ovarian tissues of females.
Meteorinae
meteorine wasps
Meteorinae is a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps, though since 2015 most scientists have treated this clade as the tribe Meteorini within Euphorinae. The group is characterized by koinobiont endoparasitoid biology, attacking larval Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. The subfamily's name derives from the distinctive pupal stage, in which the cocoon hangs suspended from a long silk thread when parasitizing lepidopteran hosts. Several species have been employed in biological control programs against forest and agricultural pests.
Microctonus
Microctonus is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae. Species are endoparasitoids of adult beetles, primarily targeting weevils (Curculionidae) and flea beetles (Chrysomelidae). The genus contains approximately 31 species in North America and additional species globally, including several used as classical biological control agents. Notable biocontrol species include M. aethiopoides and M. hyperodae, introduced to New Zealand to control forage pests, and M. aethiops and M. vittatae, used in North American agricultural systems. Many species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction, with M. hyperodae showing arrhenotokous parthenogenesis (males produced parthenogenetically).
Microgaster
Microgaster is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae containing more than 100 described species with worldwide distribution. Species within this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae, with some exhibiting highly specialized behaviors. The genus includes the first documented microgastrine to dive underwater to parasitize hosts (Microgaster godzilla) and species with distinctive morphological adaptations such as modified tarsal claws. Host associations vary widely, with records from multiple lepidopteran families including Crambidae, Noctuidae, Depressariidae, and Hesperiidae.
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.
Microphthalma
Microphthalma is a genus of tachinid flies in the family Tachinidae, first described by Macquart in 1843. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed across multiple continents. As with other tachinids, members of this genus are parasitoid flies whose larvae develop within host insects. The genus name refers to the characteristically reduced eyes found in these flies.
Microplitis
Microplitis is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, comprising over 190 described species distributed worldwide. These small parasitoid wasps are larval endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera, primarily attacking caterpillars of Noctuidae and related families. Several species are important in biological control programs against agricultural pests, including M. croceipes and M. demolitor which parasitize Heliothis/Helicoverpa species. The genus was revised in 2015 for the Neotropics and in 2019 for India, with new species continuing to be described.
Mirax
miracine wasps
Mirax is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Miracinae (Braconidae). Species are typically 1–2 mm in length and are koinobiont endoparasitoids of leaf-mining caterpillars. The genus has been documented in Australia, Puerto Rico, and other regions, with several species described through citizen science initiatives. Some species, such as Mirax insularis, have been studied for their potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Neoneurus
Neoneurus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, tribe Neoneurini. These wasps are specialized ant parasitoids, with females attacking adult ant workers in flight to deposit their eggs. The genus includes species such as Neoneurus vesculus, which has been filmed ovipositing into Formica cunicularia workers. Neoneurus species are among the few parasitoids capable of overcoming ant defenses, representing a highly specialized ecological adaptation.
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Neorileya is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eurytomidae, subfamily Rileyinae. These micro-Hymenoptera are egg parasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), with documented hosts in Coreidae, Pentatomidae, and Reduviidae. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across the New World from central California to Argentina. Neorileya species develop as endoparasitoids within host eggs, with some species causing significant mortality in agricultural pest populations.
Ocnaea boharti
Ocnaea boharti is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, described by Schlinger in 1983. The species epithet honors Richard M. Bohart (1913–2007), a prominent UC Davis entomologist who researched Strepsiptera and for whom the Bohart Museum of Entomology is named. Members of the genus Ocnaea are known as endoparasitoids of spiders, with larvae entering host bodies and consuming them from within. This species belongs to the subfamily Panopinae, one of several lineages within this morphologically unusual family of Diptera.
Ogcodes
small-headed flies, spider flies
Ogcodes is the largest and most speciose genus in the family Acroceridae (small-headed flies), with approximately 90 described species. The genus is cosmopolitan in distribution and is the only extant genus in the subfamily Ogcodinae. All species are endoparasitoids of ground-dwelling entelegyne spiders, with larvae developing inside adult spiders before emerging to pupate.
Ophion
nocturnal ichneumon wasps
Ophion is a genus of nocturnal ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Ophioninae. Members are typically orange to yellow in coloration and are endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. The genus exhibits exceptionally high morphological similarity among species, making identification difficult without molecular or detailed morphometric analysis. Most species are attracted to artificial lights at night. The genus has a worldwide distribution with greatest diversity in temperate regions.
Ormia lineifrons
Ormia lineifrons is a multivoltine koinobiont endoparasitoid fly in the family Tachinidae. It is native to the Americas and has been studied extensively in Kentucky, USA, where it parasitizes four species of Neoconocephalus katydids in a sequential pattern across its three annual generations. The fly locates hosts by eavesdropping on male katydid mating calls, depositing first-instar larvae that develop internally and kill the host upon emergence. Its multi-species host use creates complex evolutionary dynamics with each host species exerting different selective pressures.
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.
Phasgonophora
Phasgonophora is a genus of chalcidid wasps in the family Chalcididae, with at least two described species: Phasgonophora sulcata and Phasgonophora rugithorax. Members of this genus are solitary endoparasitoids of woodboring beetle larvae. Phasgonophora sulcata, the better-studied species, is native to North America and has been documented attacking Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer) as a novel host, as well as Agrilus bilineatus (twolined chestnut borer). The genus has gained attention for its potential role in biological control of invasive forest pests.
Phasiinae
bug-killing flies
Phasiinae is a subfamily of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising endoparasitoid species that primarily attack Heteroptera (true bugs). Members are commonly known as "bug-killing flies" and include important biological control agents of agricultural pests. The subfamily contains multiple tribes including Phasiini, Gymnosomatini, Trichopodini, Strongygastrini, and Parerigonini. Most species possess specialized adaptations for parasitoid life, including piercing structures for direct egg insertion into host tissues.
Phygadeuontinae
Darwin wasps
Phygadeuontinae is a subfamily of Darwin wasps within Ichneumonidae, comprising numerous genera including Atractodes, Chirotica, Gelis, Lochetica, and others. The subfamily exhibits cosmopolitan distribution with substantial diversity in the Neotropics, Europe, and Asia Minor. Members are primarily parasitoids with varied host associations including Lepidoptera (Psychidae), Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae), and other insects. The genus Gelis includes at least one documented endoparasitoid of insect eggs, representing an unusual life history strategy for ichneumonids.
Physoconops
thick-headed flies
Physoconops is a genus of thick-headed flies (family Conopidae) containing approximately 13 described species. Members are wasp mimics, resembling potter wasps in appearance and behavior. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropical and Andean regions, with some species in North America. Like other conopids, Physoconops species are endoparasitoids of bees and aculeate wasps.
Pimpla
black slip wasps
Pimpla is a large, cosmopolitan genus of ichneumonid wasps comprising approximately 200 species. Members are idiobiont endoparasitoids that develop within the pupae or prepupae of holometabolous insects, primarily Lepidoptera. The genus is characterized by sturdy black bodies with orange or reddish markings, and females possess a short, stout ovipositor used to deposit eggs into host pupae. Several species have documented importance in biological control and biomedical research.
Pimpla turionellae
Pimpla turionellae is a solitary idiobiont endoparasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Females parasitize the larvae and pupae of lepidopteran hosts, particularly Galleria mellonella, by injecting venom that suppresses host immune responses before oviposition. The species has been extensively studied as a laboratory model organism due to its pharmacologically significant venom, which exhibits cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, and potential anticancer properties. It is widely distributed across Europe and has been introduced to other regions including the Azores.
Pipunculus houghi
Pipunculus houghi is a species of big-headed fly in the family Pipunculidae, described by Kertész in 1900. As a member of Pipunculus, it is an endoparasitoid of true bugs (Hemiptera). The species is part of a diverse genus of parasitoid flies that exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in head size.
Pristiphora bivittata
Pristiphora bivittata is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, order Hymenoptera. The species was described by Norton in 1861. It is known from multiple Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Records indicate it has been observed at least six times on iNaturalist. Beyond basic taxonomic and distribution data, detailed biological information for this species remains limited in available sources.
Pristomerus
Pristomerus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Cremastinae, distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Members are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack concealed larvae of small Lepidoptera. Several species have been employed in biological control programs. The genus exhibits high regional endemism, with 49 species recognized from the Afrotropical region, 22 from Australia (19 newly described in 2016), and 15 from Madagascar (12 endemic).
Proctotrupidae
Proctotrupidae is a family of small parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Proctotrupoidea, comprising approximately 400 described species across more than 30 genera with an estimated total diversity of around 675-1200 species. Members are primarily endoparasitoids of coleopteran larvae, particularly in families Carabidae, Staphylinidae, and Elateridae, though some genera parasitize fungus gnats (Mycetophilidae, Sciaridae) and concealer moths (Oecophoridae). Females in many species are wingless and soil-dwelling, capable of detecting host larvae in burrows. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with notable Gondwanan relict elements in the subfamily Austroserphinae.
Pseudophanerotoma
A genus of solitary endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Cheloninae. Species are known to parasitize tortricid moths, including agricultural pests. The genus occurs from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to South America (Brazil, Peru, French Guiana). At least four species have been described: P. huichol (Mexico), P. austini (Guatemala), P. paranaensis (Brazil, French Guiana), and P. thapsina (Texas, French Guiana).
Pyrgota
waved light fly, light fly
Pyrgota is a genus of flies in the family Pyrgotidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus is notable for its endoparasitoid lifestyle, with larvae developing inside scarab beetles (Melolonthinae). Adults are often observed in mating pairs and exhibit distinctive behaviors, including a 'French kissing' interaction during copulation. The type species, Pyrgota undata, is commonly known as the waved light fly.
Pyrgotidae
Scarab Pursuing Flies, Pyrgotid Flies
Pyrgotidae is a family of endoparasitoid flies within the superfamily Tephritoidea. Unusual among Cyclorrhapha, they lack ocelli entirely—one of only two families with this trait. Most species display patterned wings with bands or spots. Females pursue scarab beetles in flight to deposit eggs beneath the elytra, where larvae develop internally and eventually kill the host. The family has a worldwide distribution with approximately 67 species in Australia alone and 59 species in 13 genera in the Neotropics.
Rhynchophion flammipennis
Rhynchophion flammipennis is a large ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, notable for its striking coloration resembling tarantula hawks—black or metallic blue body with bright orange or red wings. Unlike most nocturnal Ophioninae, this species is diurnal and visits flowers for nectar. It is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of sphinx moth caterpillars, with the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta) documented as a host. The wasp possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting used in self-defense.
Rileyinae
Rileyinae is a subfamily of small wasps within Eurytomidae (Chalcidoidea), comprising parasitoids primarily associated with insect eggs and gall-formers. Members include the genus Neorileya, known as endoparasitoids of eggs from diverse Hemipteran families (Coreidae, Pentatomidae, Reduviidae) and even Tettigoniidae. The subfamily also includes Gatesina, a genus that parasitizes Eurytominae gall-formers in fruits of Myrtaceae. Rileyinae species are typically minute (2-3 mm), solitary, and part of the 'micro-Hymenoptera' fauna.
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.
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.
Seticornuta
Seticornuta is a small genus of parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Metopiinae (Ichneumonidae). The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed across the Americas and Asia. Members are solitary larval or pupal koinobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera. Recent descriptions include S. jacutinga from Brazil and S. koreana from South Korea, expanding the known range of this previously poorly documented genus.
Stylogaster
thick-headed fly, needle-tailed fly
Stylogaster is a genus of conopid flies distinguished by extreme morphological and biological specializations. Adults possess an elongated proboscis exceeding body length when extended, and females have a dramatically elongated abdomen folded beneath the body—the 'needle tail' referenced in the generic name. The genus is the sole member of subfamily Stylogastrinae and comprises approximately 92 species with predominant Neotropical distribution. Unlike other conopids that parasitize aculeate Hymenoptera, Stylogaster species are endoparasitoids of orthopteroid insects (crickets, cockroaches) with documented host associations also including various calyptrate Diptera.
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.