Ichneumon-wasp
Guides
Ophion slossonae
Ophion slossonae is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Davis in 1893. It belongs to a genus notorious for taxonomic difficulty, with museum collections containing numerous unidentified specimens. The species was one of only eleven Ophion species known from North America for over a century until modern molecular and morphometric techniques enabled the description of additional species. Like other Ophioninae, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to artificial lights.
Oxyrrhexis
Oxyrrhexis is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Pimplinae, tribe Ephialtini, belonging to the Polysphincta genus-group. The genus comprises four described species worldwide. All species are koinobiont ectoparasitoids specialized in attacking spiders, primarily of the family Theridiidae, though one record documents parasitism of a titanoecid spider. The genus was first recorded from Egypt in 2017.
Oxyrrhexis carbonator
Oxyrrhexis carbonator is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1807. It belongs to the Polysphincta genus-group within the subfamily Pimplinae, tribe Ephialtini. The species is a koinobiont parasitoid of spiders, with documented host associations across multiple spider families including Theridiidae and Titanoecidae.
Pachysomoides
Pachysomoides is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. These small parasitoid wasps specialize in attacking paper wasps (Polistes spp.) and related social wasps. Two species are documented in North America: P. fulvus, which ranges broadly across the continent, and P. stupidus, found in the southeastern United States. The genus exhibits gregarious parasitoid behavior, with multiple larvae sometimes developing on a single host.
Pachysomoides fulvus
Pachysomoides fulvus is a small ichneumon wasp that parasitizes paper wasps (Polistes spp.) in North America. The female wasp lays eggs on larvae or pupae inside the exposed paper comb nests of its hosts. It ranges from New York to Florida and west to California and British Columbia, though it does not appear to be abundant anywhere. The species is notable for targeting social wasps that are typically well-defended, making it a specialized parasitoid despite its relatively small size.
Pachysomoides stupidus
Pachysomoides stupidus is a gregarious ichneumon wasp that parasitizes paper wasps (Polistes spp.). Females lay multiple eggs on pre-pupal Polistes grubs, and larvae feed gregariously as external parasites on the pupa. The species exhibits larval competition among siblings for host resources, with males showing more altruistic behavior than females in resource allocation. Brood sex ratios are biased toward females, with investment ratios equalized by egg-layers.
Phygadeuontina
Phygadeuontina is a subtribe of ichneumon wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. Members are parasitoid wasps that develop by feeding on host organisms. The subtribe belongs to the tribe Phygadeuontini, which is part of the subfamily Phygadeuontinae. These wasps are relatively small-bodied compared to many other ichneumonids.
Pimpla aquilonia
Pimpla aquilonia is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is a parasitoid wasp that targets moth caterpillars, including several agricultural and forestry pests. The species has been recorded in western North America, with distribution records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta and British Columbia.
Pimpla marginella
Pimpla marginella is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Brulle in 1846. As a member of the genus Pimpla, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources. The species has been recorded in observation databases, indicating it is encountered in the field, but published literature focusing specifically on P. marginella is scarce.
Polyblastus
Polyblastus is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Tryphoninae. Females are koinobiont ectoparasitoids of sawfly larvae, carrying multiple small eggs externally on the ovipositor or abdomen. The genus has been documented in Europe and North America, with field observations in northern Germany and Colorado, USA. Some species have been observed with egg clusters attached to foliage, though the function of this behavior remains unclear.
Polyblastus fulvilinealis
Polyblastus fulvilinealis is a small ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Tryphoninae. It is a koinobiont ectoparasitoid of sawfly larvae, meaning the host continues development until the wasp larva completes its growth. Females have been observed carrying multiple eggs externally beneath the abdomen, a behavior whose precise function remains unclear. The species occurs in North America and has been documented in Colorado.
Rhynchophion
Rhynchophion is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Ophioninae. The genus contains only three known species, with Rhynchophion flammipennis being the most documented. These wasps exhibit striking coloration—black or metallic blue bodies with bright orange or red wings—resembling tarantula hawks (Pepsis spp.), which may represent Müllerian mimicry given that Ophioninae can sting in self-defense using their short, sharp ovipositors. Unlike most nocturnal Ophioninae, Rhynchophion species are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar.
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.
Rhynchophion woodi
Rhynchophion woodi is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Gauld in 2004. The genus Rhynchophion contains only three known species, most of which are tropical. Members of this genus are diurnal and have been observed visiting flowers for nectar. Like other Ophioninae, this species possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting in self-defense.
Saranaca apicalis
Saranaca apicalis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1877. The genus Saranaca is a small genus within this large family of parasitoid wasps. Ichneumonid wasps are characterized by their slender bodies, long antennae, and parasitoid life history, with females laying eggs in or on host insects. The specific epithet 'apicalis' refers to a feature at the apex, likely of the wing or abdomen, though the original description details are not provided in available sources.
Scolobatini
Scolobatini is a tribe of ichneumon wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. These wasps are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for the tribe as a whole. The tribe is characterized by morphological features that distinguish it from related groups within the subfamily Ctenopelmatinae, to which it belongs. Knowledge of Scolobatini is limited, with relatively few observations and studies published.
Sinarachna pallipes strigis
Sinarachna pallipes strigis is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Howard in 1892. As a parasitoid wasp, it likely plays a role in regulating host insect populations. The subspecies is documented from several localities in Canada, including Alberta and Manitoba.
Spilichneumon
Spilichneumon is a genus of ichneumon wasps containing at least 30 described species. These wasps are notable for being among the first wasps active in early spring, having overwintered as adults in protected locations such as rotten logs. The genus has a holarctic and Oriental distribution, with North American species concentrated in northern regions, Canada, Alaska, and mountainous areas extending south to Arizona. Females are internal parasitoids of noctuid moth caterpillars, with larvae developing inside hosts and emerging from the pupal stage.
Therion morio
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Therion morio is a parasitic ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Females possess a short, spine-like ovipositor used exclusively for laying eggs inside caterpillar hosts, not for defense. The species is widespread across North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Washington, Nevada, Kansas, and Mexico. It is considered a beneficial biological control agent of pest caterpillars, particularly the Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea).
Therion petiolatum
Therion petiolatum is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Therion comprises parasitoid wasps whose larvae develop as internal parasites of moth caterpillars. Members of this genus are known to target tiger moths and related species.
Therion tenuipes
Therion tenuipes is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Little specific information is documented for this species, though it belongs to a genus whose members are parasitoids of moth caterpillars. The species was described by Norton in 1863.
Thyreodon apricus
Thyreodon apricus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Porter in 1984. The genus Thyreodon belongs to the tribe Enicospilini, a group of primarily tropical wasps. Members of Ophioninae are known for their ability to sting using their short, sharp ovipositors for defense. This species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Very little is known about its specific biology, and it has been subject to taxonomic confusion with similar large, colorful ichneumon wasps.
Thyreodon fernaldi
Thyreodon fernaldi is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Hooker in 1912. It is one of few species in the genus Thyreodon, a group of large ichneumon wasps found in the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. The genus is poorly known, and species identification requires specialist examination.
Tromatobia ovivora
Tromatobia ovivora is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Boheman in 1821. The specific epithet 'ovivora' (egg-eater) indicates its parasitoid biology. Records are primarily from Canada.
Trychosis similis
Trychosis similis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1864. It is a parasitoid wasp, placing it within a large and diverse group of insects that play important roles in regulating other insect populations. The genus Trychosis belongs to the ichneumonoid wasps, one of the most species-rich families within Hymenoptera. Like other members of this family, T. similis likely possesses the characteristic long, multi-segmented antennae and slender body form typical of ichneumonids.
Tryphon
Tryphon is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Tryphoninae. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps that develop as external parasites on sawfly larvae. Females possess a long, slender ovipositor used to deposit eggs on or near host larvae. The genus is part of the tribe Tryphonini, which is characterized by koinobiont development where the host continues to grow after parasitization.
Tryphon seminiger
Tryphon seminiger is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Tryphoninae. It is a koinobiont ectoparasitoid, meaning its larva feeds externally on a living host that continues to develop until the wasp completes its development. The species has been recorded in central Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta) based on GBIF distribution data. As a member of Tryphoninae, it likely shares traits with related species in the genus, including nocturnal activity and attraction to artificial lights.
Vulgichneumon
Vulgichneumon is a genus of ichneumon wasps established by Heinrich in 1961. The genus contains at least 30 described species. Members are parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of Hymenoptera. These wasps are characterized by their slender bodies, long antennae, and elongated ovipositors typical of the family.
Xorides calidus
Xorides calidus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was described by Provancher in 1886. The genus Xorides belongs to the subfamily Poemeniinae, a group of parasitoid wasps known for attacking wood-boring beetle larvae. Members of this genus are typically associated with forest habitats where their hosts occur.
Xorides californicus
Xorides californicus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Poemeniinae. It is a parasitoid wasp known to attack wood-boring beetle larvae. The species was described by Cresson in 1879 and is native to western North America, particularly California. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a long ovipositor used to reach beetle grubs tunneling in wood.
Xorides peniculus
Xorides peniculus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Townes in 1960. It belongs to the genus Xorides within the family Ichneumonidae. The species has been documented in North America, including observations during the 2025 City Nature Challenge in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of wood-boring beetle larvae, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.
Zagryphus nasutus
Zagryphus nasutus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae. First described by Cresson in 1868, this species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features of the clypeus. The genus Zagryphus was established by Heinrich in 1962 with Z. nasutus as the type species. Like other ichneumon wasps, it is presumed to be parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species has been recorded in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona.