Ichneumonidae
Guides
Pygocryptus brevicornis echthroides
Pygocryptus brevicornis echthroides is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Townes in 1944. The genus Pygocryptus belongs to the large and diverse ichneumonid wasp family, whose members are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. This subspecies is part of the nominate species P. brevicornis, with 'echthroides' indicating a distinctive morphological or geographic variant. Ichneumonid wasps in this genus are generally small to medium-sized parasitoids.
Rhyssa crevieri
Rhyssa crevieri is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Rhyssa, first described by Provancher in 1880. The genus Rhyssa contains large, conspicuous ichneumonids commonly known as giant ichneumon wasps. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated bodies, long antennae, and notably long ovipositors used to access wood-boring host larvae. The species has been documented in North America, with limited observational records available.
Rhyssa lineolata
Rhyssa lineolata is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Rhyssa. The species has been documented in North America with records from Canada (Edmonton, George L) and the United States (Vermont). A photographic study has documented its host location and oviposition mechanisms, indicating it is a parasitoid wasp that locates hosts and deposits eggs using specialized behaviors. Like other members of the genus Rhyssa, it is presumed to be associated with wood-boring hosts, though specific host records for this species were not available in the consulted sources.
Rhyssa ponderosae
Rhyssa ponderosae is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the subfamily Rhyssinae, described by Townes in 1960. Members of the genus Rhyssa are among the largest ichneumonid wasps and are known for their exceptionally long ovipositors used to parasitize wood-boring beetle larvae. The specific epithet "ponderosae" suggests an association with ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), though this host relationship requires confirmation. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Rubicundiella perturbatrix
Rubicundiella perturbatrix is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Heinrich in 1962. The genus Rubicundiella belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Records indicate presence in Canada (Altona, Manitoba) and Hawaii, United States. The species is known from only two iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is rarely encountered or understudied.
Scambus tecumseh
Scambus tecumseh is a North American ichneumon wasp described by Viereck in 1917. It is currently treated as a synonym of Scambus hispae. The species belongs to the subfamily Pimplinae, a group of parasitoid wasps that attack concealed hosts such as caterpillars and beetle larvae. Records indicate occurrence in western Canada.
Schenkia parallela
Schenkia parallela is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Townes and Gupta in 1962. It belongs to the genus Schenkia within the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The species name refers to parallel structures, likely describing some aspect of its morphology. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in available sources.
Schizopyga
Schizopyga is a genus of pimpline ichneumonid wasps in the Polysphincta genus-group, comprising approximately 12 described species worldwide. These wasps are specialized parasitoids of spiders that construct non-aerial webs, particularly members of the families Clubionidae, Gnaphosidae, and Agelenidae. The genus was established by Gravenhorst in 1829 and has a cosmopolitan distribution with records from multiple biogeographic regions including the Afrotropical region.
Schizopyga frigida
Schizopyga frigida is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1870. The genus Schizopyga belongs to the diverse parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families within Hymenoptera. Members of this genus are known as parasitoids of other insects, though specific biological details for S. frigida remain limited in published literature.
Scolobates auriculatus
Scolobates auriculatus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Fabricius in 1804. The species is recorded from Belgium and Canada (Alberta), suggesting a Holarctic distribution. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Scolobates contains relatively few described species, and S. auriculatus appears to be infrequently encountered based on available collection records.
Sesioplex depressus
Sesioplex depressus is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Sesioplex. The species was described by Viereck in 1912 and is currently accepted as valid. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species. The genus Sesioplex belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, which comprises parasitoid wasps that primarily attack larval stages of various insects, particularly Lepidoptera.
Setanta
Setanta is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Cameron in 1901. The genus belongs to the diverse superfamily Ichneumonoidea, which contains thousands of species of parasitoid wasps. Members of this genus are part of the rich hymenopteran fauna of North America, with documented records from the northeastern United States.
Setanta compta marginata
Setanta compta marginata is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Provancher in 1882. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose members are known to attack various insect hosts. As a subspecies, it represents a geographically or morphologically distinct population within the broader species Setanta compta. Very little specific information has been published about this particular subspecies in accessible literature.
Setanta parsimonica
Setanta parsimonica is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cameron in 1885. The genus Setanta is a small group within this large family of parasitoid wasps. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species has been recorded in limited observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or undercollected.
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.
Sphecophaga
Sphecophaga is a genus of ichneumonid wasps specialized as ectoparasitoids of vespid wasps. Species within this genus parasitize nests of social wasps, with larvae feeding externally on immature wasp pupae. The genus exhibits complex polymorphism in adult forms and cocoon types, and has been widely introduced as a biological control agent for invasive Vespula wasp species. Two recognized species occur: S. orientalis parasitizing Vespa orientalis in the Mediterranean region, and S. vesparum with subspecies in Europe and North America targeting Vespula species.
Sphecophagina
Sphecophagina is a subtribe of ichneumonid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. Members are parasitoid wasps, with larvae developing inside or on other arthropod hosts. The subtribe is part of the diverse ichneumonid radiation, one of the largest families of wasps.
Sphelodon phoxopteridis
Sphelodon phoxopteridis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Weed in 1888. The species is recorded from multiple localities in central Canada, particularly in Alberta and Saskatchewan. As a member of Ichneumonidae, it likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host associations remain undocumented in available sources.
Spilopteron
Spilopteron is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Townes in 1960. These wasps are part of the diverse parasitoid wasp fauna. The genus has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. Little is known about the specific biology of most species in this genus.
Spilopteron formosum
Spilopteron formosum is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1868. The genus Spilopteron belongs to the diverse parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families within Hymenoptera. Species in this genus are poorly documented in the scientific literature, with limited published information on their biology and ecology. The specific epithet "formosum" is Latin for "beautiful" or "handsome," likely referring to some aspect of the species' appearance.
Spilopteron franclemonti
Spilopteron franclemonti is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Townes in 1960. The species belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a diverse group of parasitoid wasps. It has been documented at limited locations in Canada, specifically in Alberta and Manitoba. The genus Spilopteron is characterized by distinctive wing venation patterns.
Spilopteron occiputale
Spilopteron occiputale is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1869. It belongs to the genus Spilopteron, a group of parasitoid wasps. The species has been documented through 159 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists. As with other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships for this species are not well documented.
Spilopteron vicinum
Spilopteron vicinum is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Spilopteron. It is a parasitoid wasp, placing it within the diverse family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of insects. The species was described by Cresson in 1869. Limited specific ecological information is available for this species.
Stenarella
Stenarella is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, subtribe Osprynchotina. The genus is monophyletic and distributed across the Old World, with three major biogeographic clades corresponding to the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Oriental–Australasian regions. Eighteen species are currently recognized, twelve described as new in a 2025 phylogenomic revision. Species are ectoparasitoids of aculeate Hymenoptera that construct nests using mud or earth.
Stenarella domator
Stenarella domator is a western Palaearctic ichneumonid wasp recently introduced to the Nearctic region. It belongs to the subtribe Osprynchotina within the subfamily Cryptinae. The species is an ectoparasitoid that targets aculeate Hymenoptera nesting in mud or earth substrates. Its establishment in North America represents a notable range expansion for this parasitoid lineage.
Stenichneumon
Stenichneumon is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Thomson in 1893. The genus contains at least 20 described species, with 23 species currently listed in taxonomic databases. These wasps are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species. The genus has been recorded primarily from northern Europe.
Stenichneumon culpator cincticornis
Stenichneumon culpator cincticornis is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The subspecies is currently accepted as valid and has been documented in parts of Europe, including Belgium and Austria.
Stethantyx
Stethantyx is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Tersilochinae. Species in this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with documented records from Mexico through Central America and into South America, including the Western Amazonia region of Ecuador and Peru. The genus was established by Townes in 1971. Species are characterized by specific wing venation patterns, including the first and second abscissae of the radius meeting at a right angle in some species.
Stilpnina
Stilpnina is a subtribe of ichneumonid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. Members of this subtribe belong to the tribe Stilpnini and are parasitoid wasps, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature. The subtribe was established based on morphological characteristics that distinguish it from other stilpnine groups.
Sussaba
Sussaba is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Diplazontinae. Species are parasitoids of hoverfly (Syrphidae) larvae, with adults typically measuring around 4 mm in forewing length. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and parts of Asia including India. Sussaba pulchella is the best-studied species, with a published chromosome-level genome assembly.
Syrphoctonus
Syrphoctonus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Diplazontinae. The genus contains numerous species worldwide, with over 30 species recorded from Europe. Members are parasitoids of hoverflies (Syrphidae). The genus name derives from Greek 'Syrpho-' (gnat) and '-ctonus' (killer), referring to this host association.
Syzeuctus
Syzeuctus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus contains more than 130 described species and has a cosmopolitan distribution. Species in this genus are parasitoids, meaning they develop by feeding on or within host organisms.
Syzeuctus eximius
Syzeuctus eximius is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Walley in 1934. The genus Syzeuctus belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a diverse group of parasitoid wasps. Records indicate this species has been documented from locations in Saskatchewan, Canada. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Temelucha
Temelucha is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, comprising over 200 species with cosmopolitan distribution. Species in this genus are primary parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including the potato tuberworm (Phthorimaea operculella) and the pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana). Several species have been studied for their potential in biological control programs.
Temelucha interruptor
Temelucha interruptor is a parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae that attacks larvae of the pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana). The species has been introduced to North America for biological control but exhibits problematic behavior by preferentially attacking host larvae already parasitized by the braconid wasp Orgilus obscurator. This interference reduces the effectiveness of biological control programs targeting R. buoliana. The species is native to Europe, with established populations in Denmark and Sweden, and has been recorded in the conterminous United States.
Therion
Therion is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Anomaloninae. The genus contains at least 20 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are external or internal parasitoids of moth caterpillars, with several species serving as biological control agents of pest species. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision in Japan, where four species are now recognized.
Therion longipes
Therion longipes is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Therion californicum. The species was described by Provancher in 1886. Distribution records indicate occurrence in western North America, including California, Alberta, and other locations in Canada and the United States.
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.
Therion texanum
Therion texanum is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Ashmead in 1890. It belongs to a genus whose members are parasitoids of moth caterpillars. The species epithet "texanum" indicates a geographic association with Texas. Like other Therion species, it likely functions as a biological control agent of lepidopteran pests.
Theronia hilaris
Theronia hilaris is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Thomas Say in 1829. It belongs to the genus Theronia, a group of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States, with distribution records from Vermont. As with many ichneumonid wasps, specific biological details about this species remain limited in available literature.
Thyreodon
Thyreodon is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Brullé in 1846. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack caterpillars, particularly those of sphinx moths (Sphingidae). The genus is part of the Thyreodon genus-group, with species distributed across the Americas from the southwestern United States through Central America. Costa Rican species have been subject to dedicated systematic study.
Thyreodon atricolor
Thyreodon atricolor is a large ichneumonid wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Olivier in 1811. Members of this genus are among the largest Ophioninae in North America. The species is known from the southwestern United States and has been subject to taxonomic confusion with related species. Like other Ophioninae, it possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting, distinguishing it from many other ichneumonid subfamilies.
Thyreodon atricolor atricolor
Thyreodon atricolor atricolor is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Thyreodon includes large, striking wasps that are often mistaken for tarantula hawks due to their similar coloration. Members of this genus are diurnal and have been observed visiting flowers for nectar. This subspecies has been recorded from California and Vermont in the United States.
Thyreodon atricolor flavicornis
Thyreodon atricolor flavicornis is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The genus Thyreodon is part of the large and diverse Ichneumonidae family, which contains thousands of parasitoid wasp species. This subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by its yellow (flavicornis) antennae. The taxon has been recorded from multiple locations in North America including California and Vermont.
Thyreodon ornatipennis
Thyreodon ornatipennis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1874. The species name 'ornatipennis' refers to its decorated or ornate wings. It belongs to a genus of large, striking wasps that are sometimes confused with tarantula hawks due to similar coloration patterns involving metallic blue-black bodies with orange or red wings. The genus Thyreodon is poorly known, and species identification in the southwestern United States remains challenging.
Thyreodon rivinae
Thyreodon rivinae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Porter in 1980. The genus Thyreodon belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Members of this genus are known from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Thyreodon umbrifer
Thyreodon umbrifer is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Porter in 1989. The genus Thyreodon belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Very little published information exists about this specific species. A specimen initially identified as possibly belonging to this genus was observed in Arizona, where experts noted difficulty distinguishing Thyreodon from related genera in the southwestern United States. The genus is poorly known taxonomically, and species-level identification requires specialist examination.
Tmetogaster nubilipennis
Tmetogaster nubilipennis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was originally described by Haldeman in 1846. It has been historically confused with gall-forming wasps due to a homonymous species name used by Girault for Hemadas nubilipennis, a gall wasp that induces blueberry stem galls. This species is part of the diverse ichneumonid fauna documented in North American collections.
Trathala
Trathala is a genus of ichneumonid wasps first described by Cameron in 1899. Species within this genus are larval-pupal parasitoids of lepidopteran hosts. Trathala flavoorbitalis has been studied as a biological control agent for agricultural pests including the brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) and rice leaffolder. The genus exhibits host-stage selectivity, with successful development typically occurring in third to fifth instar host larvae.