Parasitoid
Guides
Acaenacis
Acaenacis is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, described by Girault in 1917. These are small parasitoid wasps belonging to the superfamily Chalcidoidea. The genus is placed in the subfamily Pteromalinae and tribe Pteromalini. As with many pteromalid genera, Acaenacis is poorly known in terms of biology and species diversity.
Acaenitinae
Acaenitinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae, comprising 28 genera distributed across all continents except Antarctica. The subfamily is poorly known biologically, with only one species (Acaenitus dubitator) reared to confirm its life history as a koinobiont endoparasitoid of weevil larvae. Females possess a distinctive large triangular projecting genital plate, a key diagnostic feature. Traditional tribal classification into Acaenitini and Coleocentrini remains debated, with molecular studies challenging the monophyly of Coleocentrini.
Acanosema
Acanosema is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Diapriidae, first described by Jean-Jacques Kieffer in 1908. Members of this genus are small, inconspicuous wasps that develop as parasitoids, likely of other insects. The genus is documented from northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with many diapriid genera, detailed biological information remains limited due to their small size and cryptic habits.
Acanthocaudus
Acanthocaudus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. Species in this genus are known to parasitize aphids. The genus was established by Smith in 1944 and occurs in the Nearctic Region. Recent taxonomic work has described new species and resolved synonymies within the genus.
Acanthocaudus caudacanthus
Acanthocaudus caudacanthus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Smith in 1944. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features related to the ovipositor. The species is known from North America. Like other braconid wasps, it likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.
Acanthochalcis
Acanthochalcis is a genus of chalcidid wasps in the family Chalcididae, subfamily Cratocentrinae. These are large, distinctive parasitic wasps characterized by their greatly swollen, toothed hind femora and exceptionally long ovipositors. The genus contains at least two commonly encountered North American species, A. nigricans and A. unispinosa, which are parasitoids of jewel beetles (Buprestidae), particularly species in the genus Chrysobothris.
Acanthochalcis nigricans
Acanthochalcis nigricans is a large chalcidid wasp distinguished by white pubescent patches on the abdomen, which separate it from the similar A. unispinosa. Females possess an exceptionally long ovipositor and measure approximately 19 mm in total length. The species is a known parasitoid of Chrysobothris jewel beetles, including C. femorata and C. edwardsii, and has been observed seeking oviposition sites on dead mesquite branches. It occurs across the southwestern United States from Kansas and Oklahoma west to California.
Acanthochalcis unispinosa
Acanthochalcis unispinosa is a large chalcidid wasp distinguished from its congener A. nigricans by the absence of white pubescent patches on the abdomen. It ranges from Texas to California and is a known parasitoid of jewel beetles (Buprestidae), particularly species in the genus Chrysobothris. The genus is notable among chalcidids for its large body size and extraordinarily long ovipositor, adaptations for reaching wood-boring beetle larvae in their galleries.
Acantholespesia
Acantholespesia is a genus of tachinid flies described by Wood in 1987. The genus contains three described species: A. comstocki, A. signata, and A. texana. Members are parasitoid flies, with A. texana documented as a parasitoid of the moth Comadia redtenbacheri. The genus belongs to the tribe Eryciini within the subfamily Exoristinae.
Acantholespesia comstocki
Acantholespesia comstocki is a tachinid fly species described by Williston in 1889. As a member of the bristle fly family Tachinidae, it functions as a parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae. Its known hosts include butterflies from three families: Hesperiidae (skippers), Megathymidae (giant skippers), and Pyralidae (snout moths). The species occurs in the United States.
Acemya
Acemya is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus belongs to the tribe Acemyini within the subfamily Tachininae. It includes approximately 11 described species distributed across multiple continents. As with other tachinid genera, members are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host relationships for most species remain poorly documented.
Acemyini
Acemyini is a small, cosmopolitan tribe of tachinid flies comprising approximately seven genera. All members are parasitoids specializing on Orthoptera, specifically grasshoppers and their relatives in the families Acrididae and Eumastacidae. The tribe is distinguished by unique bristle arrangements on the scutellum and wing veins that separate it from other Tachinidae.
Aceratoneuromyia
Aceratoneuromyia is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, subfamily Tetrastichinae. Species are primarily gregarious koinobiont endoparasitoids of Diptera, especially fruit flies (Tephritidae). The genus includes economically important biological control agents, notably A. indica, which has been used worldwide in field release programs against fruit fly pests. Recent taxonomic work has synonymized Trjapitzinichus under this genus and described three new species from China.
Acerophagus
Acerophagus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Smith in 1880. Species in this genus are primary endoparasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with several species employed in classical and augmentative biological control programs worldwide. The genus includes notable species such as A. papayae, which has been successfully used to manage the invasive papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Members exhibit koinobiont development and variable reproductive strategies including arrhenotokous parthenogenesis.
Acharia stimulea
Saddleback caterpillar, Saddleback moth
Acharia stimulea, commonly known as the saddleback caterpillar, is a North American moth in the family Limacodidae. Its larva is notable for its striking appearance—a brown shield-like marking surrounded by white on its back, resembling a saddle, with prominent projections at both ends bearing venomous urticating hairs. Contact with these spines causes painful stings and potential skin reactions in humans. The species has a broad host plant range and is parasitized by braconid wasps in the genus Cotesia.
Achrysocharoides
Achrysocharoides is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. The genus was erected by Girault in 1913 and includes species distributed across Europe, North America, and the Oriental region. Members are known for their specialized parasitism of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, particularly Phyllonorycter species. The genus exhibits unusual reproductive strategies, including split sex broods where male and female offspring develop in separate host individuals—a trait rare among parasitoid wasps and virtually restricted to this genus.
Aclista
Aclista is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Diapriidae. These insects are part of the diverse community of proctotrupomorph wasps that develop as parasitoids of other insects. Members of Diapriidae are generally associated with decaying organic matter where they parasitize the larvae of Diptera and other insects.
Acraspis
Acraspis is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae. Species in this genus induce distinctive galls on oak leaves (Quercus spp.), including the jewel oak gall and oak pea gall. The genus exhibits specialized host associations with oaks and has been documented to employ spacing strategies that reduce parasitoid attack rates.
Acreophthiria
Acreophthiria is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae, established by Evenhuis in 1986. It belongs to the subfamily Phthiriinae and tribe Phthiriini. The genus is known from the Neotropical region, with species documented primarily from Brazil. As with other bombyliids, members are likely parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Acrias
Acrias is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1847. The genus belongs to the subfamily Entiinae and is part of the diverse chalcidoid wasp radiation. Members of this genus, like other eulophids, are likely parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is rarely encountered in collections and has received limited taxonomic study.
Acridomyia
Acridomyia is a genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae, established by Stackelberg in 1929. The genus is native to Eurasia and contains parasitic species that attack grasshoppers (Acrididae). A. sacharovi has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for grasshopper populations in North America.
Acrisis
Acrisis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Förster in 1862. These insects belong to the superfamily Ichneumonoidea, one of the most diverse groups of parasitoid wasps. Very little is known about the biology of this genus, with only one observation documented on iNaturalist. The genus is recorded from Norway and Sweden.
Acrocera
small-headed flies
Acrocera is a genus of small-headed flies in the family Acroceridae. These flies are endoparasitoids of spiders, with larvae developing internally within arachnid hosts. The genus is one of the most species-rich in North America and includes regionally rare species such as A. orbiculus. Adults are rarely encountered due to their brief lifespans and elusive behavior.
Acrocera bakeri
Acrocera bakeri is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, described by Coquillett in 1904. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of spiders. The larvae seek out and enter spider hosts, feeding internally until mature, then exit to pupate. Acrocera is one of the most species-rich genera in Acroceridae in North America.
Acrocera subfasciata
Acrocera subfasciata is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, first described by Westwood in 1848. The species is currently accepted as valid by GBIF, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. Like other members of its genus, it is an endoparasitoid of spiders. The species is known from the United States, with limited observational records.
Acrocercops
Acrocercops is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as internal feeders on plant foliage, creating mines within leaves. Several species have been extensively studied as models for host race formation and host-associated speciation, particularly A. transecta, which exhibits distinct host races on distantly related plant families. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with some members recognized as agricultural pests.
Acroceridae
small-headed flies, hunch-back flies, spider flies
Acroceridae are a small family of approximately 520 species in 50 genera, characterized by their distinctive hump-backed thorax and disproportionately small head. Adults are primarily nectar feeders with exceptionally long proboscises, while larvae are obligate endoparasitoids of spiders. Many species exhibit bee or wasp mimicry. The family is cosmopolitan but nowhere abundant, with most species known from fewer than 10 specimens.
Acrolytina
Acrolytina is a subtribe within the ichneumonid subfamily Campopleginae. Members are parasitoid wasps, with the subtribe containing at least the genus Acrolyta. The group is part of the diverse ichneumonid fauna, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Acropimpla alboricta
Acropimpla alboricta is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1870. The species is known from a small number of records in western Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Acroricnus
Acroricnus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps that parasitize mud-dauber wasps (family Sphecidae). At least one species, A. seductor, has been studied for its host detection behavior and acts as a kleptoparasitoid, consuming spider prey and young host larvae in mud-dauber nests. The genus includes eight described species distributed across multiple continents.
Acroricnus stylator aequatus
Acroricnus stylator aequatus is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Acroricnus is documented as a parasite of mud dauber wasp nests, specifically attacking the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium). This subspecies was originally described by Thomas Say in 1835. Very little species-specific information is available in the provided sources, with most biological knowledge inferred from genus-level documentation.
Acroricnus stylator edwardsii
Acroricnus stylator edwardsii is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is known as a parasite of mud dauber wasps, specifically targeting the nests of the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium). The species was described by Cresson in 1879. Like other members of the genus Acroricnus, it likely possesses the elongated body and prominent ovipositor characteristic of ichneumon wasps that parasitize concealed hosts in mud nests or wood.
Acroricnus stylator niger
Acroricnus stylator niger is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Acroricnus. It is known from Belgium and Denmark, with records from both the Flemish and Walloon regions of Belgium. The species belongs to a genus whose members are parasitoids of mud dauber nests, including those of the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium).
Acrotaphus
Acrotaphus is a genus of spider-attacking parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Pimplinae, tribe Ephialtini. The genus contains 27 described species distributed across the New World, with particularly high diversity in the Neotropics including the Brazilian Amazon. These wasps are ectoparasitoids of orb-weaver spiders in the families Araneidae and Tetragnathidae. A defining characteristic of the genus is the ability to induce behavioral modification in host spiders, causing them to construct specialized "cocoon webs" that support and protect the wasp pupae.
Acrotaphus fuscipennis
Acrotaphus fuscipennis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1865. The genus Acrotaphus comprises parasitoid wasps that attack spiders. A. fuscipennis is one of approximately 8 species in the genus recorded from North America. Like other members of Acrotaphus, this species is presumed to be an ectoparasitoid of orb-weaving spiders (Araneidae), though specific host records for A. fuscipennis itself appear to be lacking in published literature.
Acrotaphus wiltii
Acrotaphus wiltii is an ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is a specialist parasite of spiders, particularly the orb-weaver Neoscona arabesca. The female wasp locates a host spider, briefly paralyzes it with a sting, and lays a single egg on the spider's body. The larva develops as an external parasite, feeding on the living spider.
Acrotomus
Acrotomus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Holmgren in 1857. The genus is recorded from Scandinavia, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As ichneumonids, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Actia
Actia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Siphonini. These flies are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with species recorded from hosts including spruce budworm, black-headed budworm, and various noctuid moths. The genus contains at least eight Nearctic species, including four described relatively recently (A. dasymyia, A. dimorpha, A. radialis, A. sternalis). Species are grouped into three species groups based on morphological and phylogenetic affinities: autumnalis-group, lamia-group, and crassicornis-group.
Actia diffidens
Actia diffidens is a tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) described by Curran in 1933. It belongs to the autumnalis species group within the genus Actia. The species is a known parasitoid of tortricid moth larvae, specifically recorded as a parasite of Peronea variana (black-headed budworm) in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Its immature stages develop within a secondary integumental funnel—an ingrowth of the host body wall located on either side of the host larva's mesothorax. The species occurs across eastern and central North America.
Actia dimorpha
Actia dimorpha is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, described by O'Hara in 1991 from specimens collected on Sapelo Island, Georgia, United States. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The specific epithet "dimorpha" suggests sexual dimorphism in this species, though details of this dimorphism have not been documented in available sources. The species is known only from its type locality and has received limited study since its original description.
Actia interrupta
Actia interrupta is a tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) described by Curran in 1933. It is an endoparasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, particularly species in the genus Choristoneura including the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), a major forest pest in North America. The species undergoes 2-4 generations per year depending on geographic location, with its phenology closely tied to host larval availability. Research indicates it competes with other parasitoids such as the ichneumonid Tranosema rostrale within shared hosts, and may have a competitive advantage in multiparasitism situations. It has been studied as a biological control agent and can be reared through manual inoculation of host larvae with first instar maggots.
Adejeania
orange bristle fly
Adejeania is a genus of tachinid flies native to the Americas, with most species occurring in South America. The genus name derives from an alteration of 'Dejeania,' meaning 'not Dejeania.' The most widely distributed species, A. vexatrix, ranges from Mexico through western North America to British Columbia and Alberta. These flies are parasitoids of caterpillars and are important flower visitors in late summer and fall.
Adejeania vexatrix
Orange Bristle Fly
Adejeania vexatrix is a large, conspicuous tachinid fly of western North America, immediately recognizable by its bright orange abdomen, heavy black setae, and uniquely elongated palpi that project forward like a beak. Adults are active flower visitors from mid-summer through early autumn, with populations persisting later in southern portions of the range. This species is a known parasitoid of caterpillars, though specific host records remain undocumented.
Adelencyrtus
Adelencyrtus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ashmead in 1900. The genus comprises species that are parasitoids of scale insects, particularly armored scales (Diaspididae). Members of this genus are small, typically 1-2 mm in length, with reduced wing venation characteristic of many Encyrtidae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with records from North America, Asia, and other regions. Species of Adelencyrtus have been documented as important biological control agents against scale insect pests in agricultural and horticultural systems.
Adelencyrtus intersectus
Adelencyrtus intersectus is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described as Encyrtus intersectus by Fonscolombe in 1832. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources listing it as a synonym of Epitetracnemus intersectus while Catalogue of Life maintains it as an accepted species within Adelencyrtus. It is known from Canada with records from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Adialytus
A genus of aphid parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. Species within this genus are solitary, koinobiont endoparasitoids of aphids (Aphididae), developing within living hosts. The genus is represented by four species in Europe, with records from Turkey, Ukraine, and Scandinavia. Members are of economic interest as potential biological control agents of pest aphids on crops and woody plants.
Admontia
Admontia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. The genus contains approximately 35 described species distributed across multiple continents. As members of the family Tachinidae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for most Admontia species remain poorly documented. The genus is classified within the subfamily Exoristinae and tribe Blondeliini.
Admontia nasoni
Admontia nasoni is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1895. Tachinid flies in this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States.
Admontia pergandei
Admontia pergandei is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. The species was described by Coquillett in 1895 and is currently accepted as valid. Tachinid flies are parasitoids whose larvae develop inside or on other insects.
Aerophilus nigripes
Aerophilus nigripes is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae. The genus Aerophilus is a small group within the diverse braconid wasps, which are primarily known as parasitoids of other insects. Based on its family placement, this species likely parasitizes larval hosts, though specific host relationships for A. nigripes remain undocumented in available sources. The species epithet 'nigripes' refers to dark or black legs.