Jumping-wasp
Guides
Anastatus
eupelmid egg parasitoids
Anastatus is a large genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eupelmidae, comprising approximately 160 species globally with about 18 species recorded from North America north of Mexico. All species are egg parasitoids, attacking the eggs of various insects including true bugs, moths, and other arthropods. The genus exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: females are brachypterous or apterous with powerful jumping abilities, while males are fully winged and capable of flight. Several species have been introduced as biological control agents, including A. disparis for spongy moth management and A. orientalis for spotted lanternfly control.
Brachymeria flavipes
Brachymeria flavipes is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Chalcididae, first described by Fabricius in 1793. Like other members of the genus Brachymeria, it is a small wasp (3–6 mm) with characteristically enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is a primary or secondary parasite of Lepidoptera and muscoid fly larvae, with adults emerging from host pupae. Specific biological details for B. flavipes are sparse in the literature, though genus-level traits suggest it likely shares the typical Brachymeria life history of attacking host larvae and completing development in approximately 20–27 days under favorable conditions.
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.
Conura igneoides
Conura igneoides is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It is a small parasitoid wasp, part of a genus known for attacking lepidopteran pupae. The species was described by William Kirby in 1883. Like other members of Chalcididae, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The specific epithet "igneoides" suggests a resemblance to fire or flame in coloration.
Metapelma schwarzi
Metapelma schwarzi is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Eupelmidae, characterized by its relatively large size among chalcidoid wasps at approximately six millimeters in body length. The species is known to parasitize wood-boring beetles, particularly in the families Buprestidae and Cerambycidae. It has been documented from the southwestern United States, including Arizona and Texas.