Koinobiont
Guides
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.
Tryphonini
Tryphonini is a tribe of koinobiont ichneumonid wasps within the subfamily Tryphoninae. Members are ectoparasitoids of sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta), with females possessing relatively large egg loads compared to idiobiont relatives. The genus Polyblastus is a well-documented member of this tribe. Females have been observed carrying egg clusters externally, possibly due to egg retention after unsuccessful oviposition attempts.
Vanhorniidae
Vanhorniidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Proctotrupoidea, containing the single genus Vanhornia with six recognized species worldwide. The family is characterized by highly specialized morphology including exodont mandibles, low antennal insertion, and an exceptionally long ovipositor that projects anteriorly from its base and is housed in a ventral groove. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae in the family Eucnemidae (false click beetles). The North American species Vanhornia eucnemidarum was long considered rare due to limited collection records, but recent data integration revealed a much broader distribution than previously recognized.
Venturia canescens
Venturia canescens is a solitary koinobiont endoparasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species exhibits both sexual and asexual (parthenogenetic) populations, with the asexual strain being highly synovigenic—continuing egg maturation throughout adult life. Females inject virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from an integrated nudivirus into host larvae during oviposition; these VLPs suppress the host immune system and prevent encapsulation of the parasitoid egg. The species is a significant biological control agent of stored-product pests, particularly pyralid moth larvae.
Wroughtonia necydalidis
Wroughtonia necydalidis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Helconinae. It belongs to a genus of braconid wasps known for attacking wood-boring beetle larvae. The species epithet references its association with the longhorn beetle genus Necydalis. Like other members of Helconini, it likely functions as a koinobiont endoparasitoid of cerambycid beetle larvae.
Zatypota
Zatypota is a genus of ichneumonid wasps comprising at least 40 described species, distributed across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. All species are koinobiont ectoparasitoids of spiders, primarily targeting theridiid spiders though some species parasitize linyphiids and araneids. The genus is notable for inducing behavioral manipulation in host spiders, causing them to construct specialized "cocoon webs" that protect the developing wasp larva. Several species have been documented as hosts for hyperparasitoid chalcidid wasps, forming complex three-trophic-level interactions.
Zatypota alborhombarta
Zatypota alborhombarta is an ichneumonid parasitoid wasp in the subfamily Pimplinae and clade Polysphincta. It is a koinobiont ectoparasite of adult theridiid spiders, including Cryptachaea jequirituba and Achaearanea tingo. The wasp induces host behavioral modification to construct a protective 'cocoon web'—a simplified, reinforced web structure that shelters the developing parasitoid larva. This manipulation represents a sophisticated host-parasitoid interaction involving the repetition of specific web-building behavioral subroutines.
Zatypota anomala
Zatypota anomala is a koinobiont ichneumonid wasp in the tribe Ephialtini that parasitizes mesh web weaving spiders in the family Dictynidae. It is strictly specialized on Dictyna and Nigma spiders in Europe, with a distribution concentrated at mid-elevations in central European forest ecotones. The species exhibits elevation-dependent host partitioning, parasitizing Nigma at lower elevations (179–254 m a.s.l.) and Dictyna at higher elevations (361–870 m a.s.l.). First recorded from Italy in 2022, parasitizing Dictyna pusilla.
Zele
Zele is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae, containing approximately 30 species worldwide. The genus is distinguished by specific wing venation features: presence of vein r-m on the fore wing, a rhomboid or quadrate second submarginal cell of the fore wing, and an apically widened marginal cell on the hind wing. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. The genus is widespread across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions but absent from the Afrotropical and Australian regions.