Hyperparasitoid
Guides
Acroclisoides
Acroclisoides is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, established in 1915. Species within this genus are obligate hyperparasitoids that attack the pupal stage of scelionid primary parasitoids developing within pentatomid (stink bug) eggs. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Oriental, Afrotropical, Australian, and Holarctic regions. Acroclisoides sinicus, the most studied species, has recently expanded from Asia to Europe and North America, where it poses potential risks to biological control programs targeting invasive stink bugs such as Halyomorpha halys.
Acroclisoides sinicus
Acroclisoides sinicus is a small pteromalid wasp described from China in 1988. It is an obligate hyperparasitoid that exploits the pupal stage of scelionid primary parasitoids, particularly Trissolcus species, within pentatomid stink bug eggs. Laboratory studies demonstrate extreme host selectivity, with strong preference for Trissolcus mitsukurii over T. japonicus and no exploitation of eupelmid parasitoids. The species has recently expanded to Europe and North America, likely following pathways of its primary parasitoid hosts. Its presence raises concerns for biological control programs targeting invasive stink bugs like Halyomorpha halys.
Alloxysta
Alloxysta is a genus of small parasitic wasps in the family Figitidae, subfamily Charipinae. The genus was described by Arnold Förster in 1869 and contains over 100 species with cosmopolitan distribution. Members are aphid hyperparasitoids, attacking primary parasitoids (aphidiid wasps) that develop within aphids. Some species exhibit thelytokous parthenogenesis induced by Wolbachia endosymbionts, where unmated females produce female offspring without mating.
Aphanogmus
Aphanogmus is a genus of minute ceraphronid wasps erected by Thomson in 1858. The genus contains at least 90 described species distributed worldwide. Species are primarily parasitoids of Ichneumonoidea and Cecidomyiidae, with some functioning as hyperparasitoids through bethylid wasps. Several species have been documented emerging from hosts used in commercial biological control programs, where they may disrupt pest management efforts.
Aprostocetus
Aprostocetus is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, established by Westwood in 1833. With approximately 800 described species, it has a global distribution across all major zoogeographic regions. Species are primarily ectoparasitoids or endoparasitoids of insects inhabiting plant galls, including gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), gall wasps (Cynipoidea), and other hosts spanning Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Blattodea, Orthoptera, and Neuroptera. Some species are phytophagous, inducing galls directly on plants. The genus is economically significant as a source of biological control agents for invasive pests.
Asaphes
Asaphes is a genus of aphid hyperparasitoids in the family Pteromalidae. Species in this genus are secondary parasitoids that attack primary parasitoids developing within mummified aphids. Multiple species have been studied for their competitive interactions with other hyperparasitoids, including intraspecific tertiary parasitoidism and interspecific ovicidal behavior. Some species exhibit self-host discrimination but lack interspecific discrimination toward competitor species.
Asaphes suspensus
Asaphes suspensus is a common aphid hyperparasitoid wasp (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) that attacks aphidiine primary parasitoids within mummified aphids. The species exhibits sophisticated host discrimination behavior, including self-discrimination that favors unparasitized hosts over self-parasitized ones, but notably lacks interspecific discrimination against competitors. It employs ovicidal behavior as a competitive strategy, physically destroying competitor eggs through distinctive concave puncture sites. This species has been recorded from multiple continents including Europe, South America, and North America.
Azotidae
Azotidae is a small family of chalcidoid wasps containing a single genus, Ablerus Howard, 1894, with approximately 92–94 described species. The family was elevated from subfamily status within Aphelinidae in 1966 and is now recognized as a distinct family in Chalcidoidea. Azotidae are obligate hyperparasitoids that attack primary parasitoids of hemipteran pests, particularly those associated with scale insects (Diaspididae), whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), and mealybugs. Their biology makes them significant tertiary consumers in agricultural food webs.
Belonocnema
Belonocnema is a genus of cynipid gall wasps restricted to the southeastern United States. The genus comprises three recognized species that induce distinct galls on section Virentes oaks, including live oaks. All species exhibit heterogony, with alternating sexual and asexual generations producing morphologically and ecologically different gall types. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with Dryorhizoxenus now synonymized under Belonocnema.
Brachymeria
chalcid wasps
Brachymeria is a large genus of chalcidid wasps containing over 300 species worldwide. These small parasitoids are primarily solitary endoparasitoids of insect pupae, with most species attacking Lepidoptera. They are characterized by enlarged hind femora typical of the family Chalcididae. Some species function as hyperparasitoids, attacking parasitic Hymenoptera and Diptera. Several species have been employed in biological control programs against pest insects.
Brachymeria ovata
Brachymeria ovata is a small parasitic wasp in the family Chalcididae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The genus Brachymeria contains 26 known species in North America, all characterized by heavily armored bodies and enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. These 3-6 mm wasps are primary or secondary parasites of Lepidoptera and muscoid fly larvae, emerging from host pupae. The species has been recorded from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Canada.
Ceraphronidae
ceraphronid wasps, ceraphronids
Ceraphronidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Ceraphronoidea, containing approximately 14 genera and 360 described species, though many remain undescribed. The family is poorly known taxonomically and ecologically. Most species are believed to be primary parasitoids, particularly of flies, with some functioning as hyperparasitoids of other parasitoids. A significant number of species are found in soil, and winglessness has evolved in multiple lineages.
Ceraphronoidea
Ceraphronoidea is a small superfamily of minute parasitoid and hyperparasitoid wasps (0.5–4 mm body length) comprising two families: Ceraphronidae and Megaspilidae. Approximately 740 species have been described globally, though estimates suggest true diversity may reach 12,000–21,000 species. The group is among the most severely understudied parasitoid wasp lineages, with over 80% of species having unknown host associations. First described by Alexander Henry Haliday, Ceraphronoidea has been historically difficult to study due to morphological challenges including monotonous external morphology, extreme sexual dimorphism, and reduced wing venation.
Chartocerus
Chartocerus is a genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Signiphoridae, comprising 27 described species. Members are known primarily as hyperparasitoids—parasitoids of other parasitoids—though some species have been recorded as primary parasitoids of aphids, psyllids, mealybugs, scale insects, and flies. The genus has been documented as an obligate hyperparasitoid of other chalcid wasps, including Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis and possibly Tamarixia radiata.
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.
Cirrospilini
Cirrospilini is a tribe within the subfamily Eulophinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) comprising approximately 17 genera and nearly 300 species. Members are ectoparasitoids that attack immature stages of Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera in semi-concealed habitats. Some species function as obligate or facultative hyperparasitoids, and a few are gall-formers. Phylogenetically, the tribe is considered monophyletic and the sister-group to Eulophini plus Elasmini.
Conura
Conura is a large genus of chalcidid wasps comprising over 300 described species, with approximately 295 species occurring in the New World. The genus is divided into three subgenera and 63 species groups based on morphological patterns. Species exhibit diverse life history strategies including primary parasitism of lepidopteran pupae and hyperparasitism through other parasitoid wasps.
Conura albifrons
Conura albifrons is a native North American hyperparasitoid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It has been documented attacking Diadromus pulchellus, an exotic ichneumonid parasitoid introduced for biological control of the leek moth (Acrolepiopsis assectella). This hyperparasitoid relationship represents a potential challenge to biological control programs, as native hyperparasitoids can reduce the effectiveness of introduced natural enemies. The species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
Conura side
Conura side is a species of chalcidid wasp first described by Walker in 1843. It is a hyperparasitoid that parasitizes Diadegma insulare, a parasitoid wasp that attacks diamondback moth larvae. The species belongs to the family Chalcididae, a group of small parasitoid wasps characterized by enlarged hind femora. Distribution records indicate presence across multiple Canadian provinces.
Cyrtogaster
Cyrtogaster is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, subfamily Miscogastrinae, tribe Sphegigastrini. The genus was established by Walker in 1833. At least one species, C. vulgaris, has been documented as a secondary parasitoid (hyperparasitoid) of dipteran leafminers, with females laying eggs inside host puparia without discriminating between healthy hosts and those already parasitized by primary parasitoids.
Dendrocerus
Dendrocerus is a genus of megaspilid wasps in the family Megaspilidae, comprising more than 100 described species. Members of this genus are hyperparasitoids, primarily attacking aphid parasitoids in the family Braconidae (Aphidiinae), particularly Aphidius species. The genus is characterized by elaborate branched antennae and specialized morphological adaptations for host location and exploitation. Some species exhibit nocturnal activity patterns and unique extrication structures for emerging from hosts.
Diplolepis rosae
Mossy Rose Gall Wasp, Rose Bedeguar Gall Wasp, Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp
A gall-inducing wasp in the family Diplolepididae that forms distinctive mossy, pincushion-like galls on wild roses, primarily Rosa canina and Rosa arvensis. The species is notable for its predominantly parthenogenetic reproduction, with fewer than 5% males in most populations. Females lay up to 60 eggs in developing rose buds, inducing chemically-driven plant tissue distortion that creates the characteristic bedeguar gall. The wasp has been introduced to North America alongside cultivated roses.
Elasmus
Elasmus is a genus of chalcid wasps containing over 200 species worldwide. It is the sole member of the subfamily Elasminae (formerly family Elasmidae), though some authorities now place it within Eulophinae. Species are primarily parasitoids or hyperparasitoids, with documented hosts including lepidopteran larvae and larvae of Polistes paper wasps.
Encyrtidae
Encyrtidae is a large family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising approximately 3,710 described species in about 455 genera. The family is distinguished by distinctive wing venation patterns, forward-migrated cerci on the metasoma with accompanying tergite distortion, and an enlarged mesopleuron with anteriorly positioned mesocoxae. Most species are primary parasitoids of Hemiptera, particularly scale insects, mealybugs, and psyllids, though host associations span multiple insect orders and even include ticks. Encyrtidae are globally distributed across virtually all terrestrial habitats and are among the most important biological control agents used in agriculture.
Euceros
Euceros is a cosmopolitan genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Eucerotinae, containing approximately 48 described species. The genus was historically placed in Tryphoninae but is now recognized as sister to Barronia. At least some species are hyperparasitoids, with E. frigidus documented as attacking the sawfly Neodiprion swainei in Canadian jack pine forests.
Eulophinae
Eulophinae is a subfamily of chalcid wasps in the family Eulophidae, comprising over 90 genera. Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown it to be a derived group within Eulophidae, not an ancestral one as previously thought. The subfamily contains three recognized tribes: Eulophini, Elasmini, and Cirrospilini. Members are primarily ectoparasitoids, with some species functioning as hyperparasitoids or gall-formers.
Eupelmidae
Eupelmidae is a family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, containing approximately 905-1100 described species across 39-45 genera. The family is currently defined to include three subfamilies: Eupelminae, Calosotinae, and Eusandalinae. Members exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism, with females of many species possessing modified mesothoracic musculature that enables powerful jumping using the middle legs. The majority are parasitoids of other insects, with hosts including beetle larvae, spider eggs, mantid oothecae, and various other arthropods. Some species are facultative hyperparasitoids. The group has significant potential as biological control agents for agricultural and forest pests.
Eupelminae
Eupelminae is a subfamily of parasitic wasps within the family Eupelmidae (Chalcidoidea). Members exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, with females possessing a remarkable jumping ability powered by modified mesothoracic musculature and resilin energy storage. Females of many species have reduced flight capability and rely on walking, while males fly readily. The subfamily includes important biological control agents such as species of Anastatus, which parasitize the eggs of diverse hosts including moths, true bugs, cockroaches, and stick insects.
Euperilampus triangularis
Euperilampus triangularis is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Perilampidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1829. It belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps characterized by their metallic coloration and compact body form. The species has been recorded across multiple North American jurisdictions including Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, and Ontario.
Galeopsomyia
Galeopsomyia is a New World genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species within this genus function as hyperparasitoids, attacking gall-inducing wasps of the genera Eurytoma and Torymus, and have been documented as parasitoids of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) and the citrus leafminer. A notable species was fortuitously discovered providing biological control of the citrus pest Phyllocnistis citrella. The genus exhibits intraspecific phenotypic matching in ovipositor size relative to gall thickness.
Gelis tenellus
Gelis tenellus is a hyperparasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It attacks Apanteles melanoscelus, a braconid parasitoid of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), placing it at the fourth trophic level in forest food webs. The species exhibits sophisticated host discrimination behavior, capable of distinguishing between parasitized and unparasitized host larvae. Females locate host cocoons on tree trunks and use their elongated ovipositors to drill through cocoon walls to deposit eggs. The species undergoes diapause induced by photoperiod and temperature cues, an adaptation for seasonal survival.
Hemipenthes
Hemipenthes is a large genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising numerous described species distributed across the Holarctic and Palearctic regions. Adults are small to large robust flies measuring 5–14 mm in body length. The genus is distinguished from similar bee fly genera by characteristic wing venation patterns. A significant taxonomic revision occurred in 2020, when several species were transferred to the new genus Ins.
Horismenus
Horismenus is a large genus of eulophid wasps (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) comprising over 400 described species, primarily distributed in the Americas. Species are predominantly parasitoids, with documented associations including bruchid beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in bean seeds, cerambycid beetles, mantid oothecae, and other insects. Several species exhibit hyperparasitoid behavior. The genus has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision due to cryptic species diversity revealed through molecular analysis.
Ismaridae
Ismaridae is a small, relictual family of parasitoid wasps in the order Hymenoptera. The family contains two extant genera: Ismarus, with approximately 50–59 described species worldwide, and the fossil genus Lubomirus from Eocene amber. All species with known biology are hyperparasitoids that parasitize Dryinidae, which are themselves parasitoids of leafhoppers, planthoppers, and treehoppers. Formerly classified as a subfamily of Diapriidae, Ismaridae was elevated to family status based on distinct morphological differences, particularly the absence of a facial projection for antennal insertion and variable fusion of metasomal terga.
Ismarus
Ismarus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Ismaridae. These insects are hyperparasitoids, attacking Dryinidae wasps that parasitize leafhoppers, planthoppers, and treehoppers. The genus is rarely collected and poorly known, with species distributed across wooded habitats in Asia, Europe, and other regions. Two new Chinese species were described in 2023 from Yunnan Province.
Kleidotoma
Kleidotoma is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Figitidae. Members are hyperparasitoids, developing on the larvae of other parasitoid wasps that attack gall-forming insects. The genus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with records from northern Europe.
Ligyra
Ligyra is a genus of bee flies (Diptera: Bombyliidae) in the tribe Exoprosopini, established by Edward Newman in 1841. The genus contains at least 110 described species with cosmopolitan distribution, though recent cladistic analysis has restricted its scope by erecting a new genus for New World species previously assigned to Ligyra. Species in this genus are hyperparasitoids, attacking ground-nesting aculeate Hymenoptera including Sphecidae, Pompilidae, Tiphiidae, and Scoliidae.
Lycogaster
Lycogaster is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Trigonalidae, first described by Shuckard in 1841. Members of this genus are hyperparasitoids, meaning they parasitize other parasitoids. The genus was first recorded from Vietnam in 2025 based on specimens of L. flavonigrata, expanding its known distribution beyond China.
Lysibia
Lysibia is a genus of hyperparasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The best-studied species, Lysibia nana, is a solitary secondary idiobiont hyperparasitoid that attacks pre-pupae and pupae of gregarious braconid parasitoids in the genus Cotesia, particularly C. glomerata. These wasps are winged, synovigenic (emerging without mature eggs), and do not host-feed as adults. They locate hosts using chemical cues including kairomones from the primary parasitoid and herbivore-induced plant volatiles. The genus is part of the overwintering Apanteles-Tetrastichus-Lysibia complex associated with pierid butterfly hosts.
Marietta
Marietta is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae. Species in this genus are obligate hyperparasitoids, attacking primary parasitoids of Hemipteran pests rather than the pest insects themselves. The genus was established by Motschulsky in 1863. Marietta species have been documented in association with parasitoids of psyllids, mealybugs, and other economically important insect pests, making them relevant to biological control programs.
Marietta timberlakei
Marietta timberlakei is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Aphelinidae, described by Hayat in 1986. The species is named in honor of the American entomologist Philip H. Timberlake, who made extensive contributions to the study of Hymenoptera, particularly bees and wasps. As a member of the genus Marietta, it is likely a hyperparasitoid, a trait common to other species in this genus. The species has been recorded from Hawaii and Maryland in the United States, as well as Brazil.
Megaspilidae
Megaspilidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Ceraphronoidea, comprising approximately 450 described species across 13 genera in two subfamilies. The family remains poorly known biologically, though most species are believed to be parasitoids of sternorrhynchan Hemiptera (particularly aphids), with some functioning as hyperparasitoids attacking other parasitoids. Many species inhabit soil, and several are wingless. The largest genus is Dendrocerus, followed by Conostigmus.
Mesochorus
Mesochorus is a large genus of ichneumonid wasps containing approximately 690-900 described species worldwide. Members are obligate hyperparasitoids that attack the larvae of primary parasitoids, typically ichneumonid or braconid wasps, and occasionally tachinid flies. These primary parasitoids are themselves endoparasitoids of larval Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, placing Mesochorus at the fourth trophic level in complex food webs. The genus has been extensively studied in agricultural contexts due to its interactions with biological control agents.
Mesochorus americanus
Mesochorus americanus is an ichneumon wasp described by Cresson in 1872. The genus Mesochorus comprises hyperparasitoids—parasitoids that attack other parasitoids rather than host insects directly. Records indicate this species has been collected at several locations in Canada, including Edmonton, Dauphin, and Lenswood. A specific host association has been documented: the species has been recorded as a parasite of California Oak Moth (Phryganidia californica) caterpillars.
Mesochorus discitergus
Mesochorus discitergus is a hyperparasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It parasitizes primary parasitoids—particularly braconid wasps such as Cotesia marginiventris—that are themselves developing inside lepidopteran caterpillars. This species has been studied for its behavioral interactions with host caterpillars, including the tactics it employs to overcome defensive behaviors and the evasive responses of different noctuid species. It has been recorded from both North and South America.
Mesochorus giberius
Mesochorus giberius is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Mesochorus comprises hyperparasitoids, meaning they parasitize other parasitoids rather than attacking host insects directly. Records indicate this species has been reared from caterpillars of the California Oak Moth (Phryganidia californica), suggesting it may function as a tertiary parasitoid in oak moth food webs. The species was described by Thunberg in 1822 and occurs in western North America.
Ormyridae
Ormyridae is a small family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Members are parasitoids or hyperparasitoids of gall-forming insects, primarily cynipid wasps and tephritid flies. The family comprises approximately 153 species across three subfamilies (Asparagobiinae, Hemadinae, Ormyrinae) and several genera, with the majority in the genus Ormyrus. Ormyridae has a cosmopolitan distribution but is almost entirely absent from South America. Adults of many species exhibit iridescent coloration and distinctive metasomal sculpturing.
Orthogonalys
Orthogonalys is a genus of trigonalid wasps comprising hyperparasitoid species. At least one species, Orthogonalys pulchella, employs a distinctive 'scattershot' approach to host location, a notable behavioral adaptation among parasitoid wasps. The genus belongs to the family Trigonalidae, a group known for complex life histories involving secondary parasitism.
Orthogonalys pulchella
Orthogonalys pulchella is a species of hyperparasitoid wasp in the family Trigonalidae. This species is part of a unique guild of parasitoids that target the larvae of other parasitoid wasps rather than primary hosts. The species was described by Cresson and has been documented in parts of North America.
Pachyneuron
Pachyneuron is a cosmopolitan genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, comprising approximately 60 valid species. Species are primarily hyperparasitoids of Sternorrhyncha (aphids, coccids, and psyllids), attacking the primary parasitoids of these herbivores. Some species also hyperparasitize predatory insects such as ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) and lacewings (Chrysopidae) via their parasitoids. Certain species, including P. aphidis and P. albutius, have been documented as direct parasitoids of dipteran larvae or pupae. The genus has been studied in the context of biological control, where hyperparasitism may interfere with pest management programs.