Parasitoid-host
Guides
Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus
leucaena bruchine beetle, leucaena seed beetle
Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus is a seed-feeding beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, native to the Neotropics and now widely distributed through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a specialist seed predator of Leucaena species, particularly the invasive weed Leucaena leucocephala, and has been introduced as a biological control agent in multiple regions. Adults are small beetles that oviposit on or near host seeds; larvae develop endophagously within seeds, passing through four distinct instars before emerging by cutting a circular exit window.
Acentropinae
China-mark Moths
Acentropinae is a subfamily of aquatic moths within the family Crambidae, comprising approximately 730 species in 78 genera. It represents the largest lineage of moths with at least one life stage adapted to aquatic environments. The subfamily includes two tribes: Argyractini and Acentropini (the latter including the former Nymphulinae). Larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged vegetation, while adults are terrestrial but associated with wetland habitats.
Acharia
Saddleback Caterpillar Moths and Allies
Acharia is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as saddleback caterpillar moths. The genus is notable for larvae with urticating (stinging) hairs and distinctive saddleback patterning. Some species, particularly Acharia stimulea, are well-known in North America for their painful stings. Other species such as Acharia fusca have become invasive agricultural pests in oil palm plantations.
Acrobasis rubrifasciella
alder tubemaker moth
Acrobasis rubrifasciella, commonly known as the alder tubemaker moth, is a small snout moth described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1874. The species occurs in central-eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Alnus (alder) species, with young larvae consuming wintered leaf-buds of their host plants. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Calliephialtes grapholithae.
Agapema
Agapema is a genus of giant silk moths in the family Saturniidae, closely allied to Saturnia. The genus was established in 1894 by Neumoegen and Dyar. It contains six described species distributed in North America. The pupal stage serves as a host for parasitoid wasps.
Agrilus subcinctus
Native Ash Borer
Agrilus subcinctus, commonly known as the native ash borer, is a North American jewel beetle (Buprestidae) that develops in ash (Fraxinus) trees. Unlike the invasive emerald ash borer (A. planipennis), this species is restricted to dead ash twigs for larval development. Adults are active from late May through mid-August, with peak flight in June. The species serves as host for multiple hymenopteran parasitoids and has been studied for its distinct mating behavior, which involves visual aerial orientation followed by contact chemical signal evaluation.
Agromyzidae
leaf-miner flies, leaf miner flies
Agromyzidae is a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2,500 species worldwide. Adults are minute to small (0.9–6.5 mm), with distinctive head sclerotization patterns and reduced wing venation. The family derives its common name from the larval feeding habit: larvae are predominantly leaf miners that feed between the upper and lower epidermis of plant leaves, creating visible mines that are often species-specific in shape. Some species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genera Liriomyza, Phytomyza, and Ophiomyia.
Aleurochiton forbesii
Maple whitefly
Aleurochiton forbesii is a whitefly species native to eastern North America that specializes on maple trees (Acer spp.) as its primary host. The species produces two broods annually, with distinctive seasonal differences in puparial appearance. Unlike its European congener Aleurochiton aceris, it rarely reaches population densities that cause significant host damage. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Amitus aleurodinis.
Aleurodicinae
whiteflies
Aleurodicinae is a subfamily of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera) distinguished by morphological features of the pupal case, including the arrangement of setae and pore structures. The subfamily contains over 40 species in Belize alone, with substantial diversity throughout the Neotropical region. Members are phloem-feeders on vascular plants, with some species established as invasive pests in introduced ranges including the western Palaearctic, Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Canary Islands. At least one genus secretes distinctive blue-iridescent wax.
Aleurothrixus
woolly whiteflies
Aleurothrixus is a genus of whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae) containing approximately 20 described species. The most economically significant species is A. floccosus (woolly whitefly), a major pest of citrus and other crops across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species in the genus have been documented as agricultural pests, with extensive research focused on their biological control using parasitoid wasps.
Amphibolips
Amphibolips is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, first described by Reinhard in 1865. The genus contains approximately 57 described species, with additional undescribed species known. All members are native to the Americas and are specialized gall inducers, primarily on oaks (Quercus spp.).
Amphicerus bimaculatus
grape cane borer beetle, horned powder-post beetle
Amphicerus bimaculatus is a horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the grape cane borer beetle. The species has been documented in Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. In Syria, it has been observed inhabiting pomegranate trees, where it serves as a host for parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae (subfamily Doryctinae).
Anacampsis populella
poplar sober
A small gelechiid moth native to Europe, accidentally introduced to North America. Adults are active from May to September with variable whitish forewings marked with black or dark grey. Larvae are leaf-rollers that feed on poplars and willows, constructing silk-bound leaf tubes in which they develop and pupate. The species is univoltine, with eggs overwintering.
Anasa armigera
horned squash bug
Anasa armigera, commonly known as the horned squash bug, is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae found in North America. It is a minor pest of cucurbit crops, occurring alongside the more abundant Anasa tristis in squash and cucumber fields. Adults are attracted to vittatalactone, the aggregation pheromone of the striped cucumber beetle, suggesting cross-species chemical communication in host location. The species serves as a host for egg parasitoids including Gryon pennsylvanicum and Hadronotus pennsylvanicus.
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus
White-banded Potter Wasp
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as the White-banded Potter Wasp. Like other Ancistrocerus species, it is a cavity-nesting wasp that constructs nests using mud in pre-existing hollows. The species is part of a genus characterized by distinctive morphological traits including a transverse carina on the first abdominal segment. It is native to North America with confirmed records in the northeastern United States.
Andricus
oak gall wasps
Andricus is a large and diverse genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, comprising approximately 375 species—though many are considered taxonomically dubious. These tiny wasps are obligate gall inducers on oaks (Quercus spp.), with each species typically restricted to one or a few closely related host species. The genus exhibits complex life cycles involving alternation between sexual and asexual generations, often on different oak hosts or plant organs. Andricus is the most diverse genus in the tribe Cynipini and has a cosmopolitan distribution centered on the Northern Hemisphere, with species in Europe, Asia, North America, and Central America.
Andricus dimorphus
Clustered Midrib Gall Wasp
Andricus dimorphus, commonly known as the clustered midrib gall wasp, is a cynipid wasp that induces distinctive galls on oak leaves. The species forms clusters of up to 50 globular, red-brown galls along the midrib on the abaxial (underside) surface of white oak leaves, beginning in late summer. Adults emerge from galls the following year. The species was first described by William Beutenmuller in 1913 as Cynips dimorphus and later transferred to Andricus via the genus Adleria.
Andricus foliaformis
Andricus foliaformis is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, described by Gillette in 1888. Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species induces characteristic galls on oak hosts (Quercus spp.). The specific epithet "foliaformis" suggests a leaf-associated gall morphology. Cynipid gall wasps in this genus typically exhibit complex life cycles involving alternating sexual and asexual generations, with each generation often producing distinct gall forms on different plant tissues.
Andricus quercusfrondosus
Oak Rosette Gall Wasp
Andricus quercusfrondosus is a cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive rosette-shaped galls on the leaves of oak trees. As a member of the highly diverse genus Andricus, this species exemplifies the intimate host-plant specialization characteristic of gall-forming wasps. The galls provide shelter and food for the developing larva, which manipulates plant growth hormones to create this specialized structure. Like many Cynipidae, this species has a complex life cycle often involving alternation between sexual and asexual generations on different host tissues or related oak species.
Anisota fuscosa
Anisota fuscosa is a moth species in the family Saturniidae, described by Ferguson in 1971. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Anisota stigma. The genus Anisota includes several species of wild silk moths whose caterpillars are known as oakworms, feeding primarily on oak foliage. These caterpillars are gregarious feeders and can cause localized defoliation of host trees. Adults are typically active in spring and summer, with larvae descending to soil to pupate and overwinter.
Anisota senatoria
orangestriped oakworm, orange-tipped oakworm
Anisota senatoria is a Nearctic silk moth in the family Saturniidae, commonly known as the orangestriped oakworm. It is one of the more common Saturniids in eastern North America, occasionally reaching pest status in the northern parts of its range. The species is notable for being a late-season feeder on oak foliage, which limits its long-term impact on host tree health. Adults are sexually dimorphic: females are larger, yellow-orange with silver-white spots and faint black lines across the wings, while males are smaller and reddish-brown. The species is very similar to A. finlaysoni in southern Ontario and A. peigleri in the southern United States.
Antigastra catalaunalis
Sesame Leafroller, Sesame Pod-borer, Sesame Webworm, Sesame Capsule Borer, Sesame Leaf Webber
Antigastra catalaunalis is a crambid moth whose larvae are major agricultural pests of sesame (Sesamum indicum). Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport and its own migratory capacity. The species has been documented attacking multiple plant families including Scrophulariaceae and Pedaliaceae, though sesame remains its economically significant host. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 26.5 days under controlled conditions.
Apatelodidae
American silkworm moths
Apatelodidae is a family of medium-sized bombycoid moths endemic to the New World, with highest diversity in the Neotropical region. The family contains approximately 14 genera and 222+ species following recent taxonomic revisions, though generic boundaries remain in flux due to ongoing phylogenetic studies. Adults typically exhibit cryptic coloration in greyish, straw-yellow, or reddish-brown tones with darker wing markings. Larvae of at least some species possess urticating setae, a trait first documented in the family in 2025. The family was elevated from subfamily status within Bombycidae in recent decades and continues to undergo substantial taxonomic restructuring.
Aphonopelma hentzi
Texas Brown Tarantula, Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, Missouri Tarantula
Aphonopelma hentzi is one of the most common tarantula species in the southern United States, with a broad distribution across the south-central region. Adults typically exceed a four-inch leg span and weigh more than 3 ounces. The body is uniformly dark brown, with coloration becoming more distinct following molting. This species is notable for its male wandering behavior during late summer and fall, when mature males travel substantial distances searching for females. The species serves as host to parasitoid spider wasps, including Pepsis mildei.
Aproaerema
Aproaerema is a genus of gelechiid moths in the subfamily Anacampsinae. The genus contains at least 11 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aproaerema modicella (groundnut leaf miner), which causes severe yield losses in groundnut and soybean crops across South and Southeast Asia and has recently invaded Africa. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with molecular and behavioral evidence suggesting relationships among A. modicella, A. simplexella, and related taxa require re-examination.
Archips infumatana (Zeller, 1875)
Smoked Leafroller Moth, Hickory Webworm
Archips infumatana, commonly known as the Smoked Leafroller Moth or Hickory Webworm, is a tortricid moth species described by Zeller in 1875. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, ranging from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Iowa. The species belongs to the leafroller genus Archips, whose larvae characteristically construct silk-bound shelters by rolling or folding leaves. Larvae of this genus are known hosts for parasitoid wasps including mason wasps (Eumeninae).
Archips rosana
Rose Tortrix, Rose Tortrix Moth, Rose Leaf Roller
Archips rosana, the rose tortrix moth, is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. The species is a significant agricultural pest of apple orchards and other fruit crops, with larvae feeding within rolled leaves. Adults are active from May to August, with specific timing varying by location. The species is subject to substantial biological control by parasitoid wasps, with parasitisation rates reaching 24-40% in some populations.
Archisepsis
Archisepsis is a genus of sepsid flies established by Silva in 1993. The genus contains at least 12 described species distributed across the Neotropics, with records from Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. Species have been documented breeding in cattle dung, where they serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps. The genus is part of the diverse Sepsidae family, commonly known as black scavenger flies or dung flies.
Asphondylia atriplicicola
Saltbush Blister Gall Midge
Asphondylia atriplicicola is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces blister galls on saltbush (Atriplex species). Like other members of the genus Asphondylia, this species manipulates host plant tissue to form protective galls within which its larvae develop. The specific epithet 'atriplicicola' directly references its association with Atriplex, the saltbush genus. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on diverse host plants, with different species specializing on particular plant taxa including holly, creosote, and saltbush.
Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua
Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1878. The larvae induce galls in the flower heads of cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), developing within distinct zones of the capitulum tissue. This species serves as host to a diverse guild of parasitoid wasps that exhibit stratified distribution patterns within the gall structure, with different parasitoid species occupying different depth zones.
Asphondyliini
Asphondyliini is a tribe of gall midges within the family Cecidomyiidae, comprising approximately six genera and at least 100 described species. Members are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Neotropics, Palearctic, and Oriental regions. The tribe is characterized by gall-inducing behavior on diverse host plants, with documented associations across numerous angiosperm families including Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, Lauraceae, and Verbenaceae. Several genera within the tribe have been subject to recent taxonomic revision based on phylogenetic analyses.
Aulacidea acroptilonica
Russian Knapweed Gall Wasp
Aulacidea acroptilonica is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, commonly known as the Russian Knapweed Gall Wasp. It is a specialist herbivore that induces galls on its host plant. The species is native to regions associated with Russian knapweed and has been recorded in the conterminous United States. Like other members of the genus Aulacidea, it is likely targeted by parasitoid wasps. The species was described by Tyurebaev in 1979.
Aulacidea podagrae
Aulacidea podagrae is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, it induces gall formation on host plants. The species was described by Bassett in 1890. It belongs to a group of cynipid wasps that serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps such as Eupelmus messene.
Brontaea
Brontaea is a genus of muscid flies comprising approximately five described species. Species in this genus have been documented in association with bovine feces in pasture environments, where they serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps. The genus has recorded distribution in Europe (Denmark, Norway) and South America (Brazil).
Calameuta
Calameuta is a genus of stem sawflies (family Cephidae) established by Friedrich Wilhelm Konow in 1896. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed across Europe and North America. Members of this genus are associated with grasses and sedges, reflecting the family-wide ecological pattern of Cephidae. The genus is taxonomically stable and well-represented in entomological collections.
Callirhytis quercusbatatoides
Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp
Callirhytis quercusbatatoides is a cynipid gall wasp that induces stem galls on Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) and related oak species. The species exhibits the complex life cycle typical of many oak gall wasps, with alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce morphologically distinct galls. The specific epithet 'quercusbatatoides' references the gall's resemblance to a sweet potato (batata). The species is well-documented in the southeastern United States where its host oaks are native.
Callirhytis quercusmodesta
Callirhytis quercusmodesta is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. The species induces galls on oaks (Quercus spp.) as part of its life cycle. Like other members of the genus Callirhytis, it exhibits heterogony, with alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce morphologically distinct galls. The species is known from the central United States.
Caloptilia
leaf cone moths, leaf blotch miner moths
Caloptilia is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as leaf cone moths or leaf blotch miner moths. Larvae are leaf miners that typically feed internally on leaf tissue during early instars, then later instars roll or fold leaves into protective cones or shelters where they complete development and pupate. The genus contains numerous species, many of which are host-specific to particular tree or shrub genera. Several species have become economically significant as pests of ornamental and horticultural plants, including Caloptilia fraxinella on ash trees and Caloptilia azaleella on azaleas.
Cameraria hamadryadella
Solitary Oak Leafminer, Solitary Oak Leafminer Moth
Cameraria hamadryadella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, widely distributed across temperate North America. The larvae feed exclusively on oak (Quercus) species, creating distinctive mines within leaves. Adults are active in spring with typically two generations per year, though a facultative third generation may occur in warm years. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by host plant phenology, particularly the timing of autumn leaf fall, which can account for more than 50% of mortality in years with early leaf drop.
Carcina
oak long-horned flat-body moths
Carcina is a small genus of micromoths in the family Peleopodidae, containing four species distributed across Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The genus is notable for its members' distinctive appearance: pastel pink or purple wings with yellow markings and exceptionally long antennae relative to body size. The most widespread species, C. quercana, serves as host for the specialized parasitoid wasp Venanides carcinae. A recently described species, C. ingridmariae, was discovered in 2025 after being misidentified as C. quercana for over a century, representing a rare case of overlooked colorful European moth diversity.
Carmenta texana
Texana Clearwing Moth
Carmenta texana, the Texana clearwing moth, is a small sesiid moth described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It is known from Texas and Florida, with a wingspan of approximately 22 mm. The species belongs to a genus of clearwing moths that typically have reduced wing scaling and wasp-like appearance. It has been documented as a host for the ichneumonid parasitoid wasp Calliephialtes grapholithae.
Caryomyia biretta
Hickory Beret Gall Midge
Caryomyia biretta is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. It is commonly known as the Hickory Beret Gall Midge due to its association with hickory trees and the distinctive gall formations it induces. The species is part of a genus specialized in creating galls on Carya (hickory and pecan) species.
Caryomyia supina
Hickory Supine Squash Gall Midge
A gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on hickory leaves. The species is associated with Carya species, particularly shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). Adults are small, delicate flies typical of the family. The specific epithet 'supina' refers to the supine (upward-facing) orientation of the gall structure.
Cassida piperata
Small Tortoise Beetle, tortoise beetle
Cassida piperata is a tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. Native to eastern Asia, it has been introduced to North America and Europe, with established populations in northern Italy since 2021. It serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Holcotetrastichus rhosaces in Japan.
Caulophilus
Caulophilus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) established by Wollaston in 1854, comprising more than 20 described species. At least one species, C. oryzae, is a significant stored product pest. The genus has been documented as a host for ectoparasitic wasps in the family Bethylidae.
Celticecis
hackberry gall midges
Celticecis is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as hackberry gall midges. Species in this genus induce leaf galls on Celtis species (Ulmaceae), commonly called hackberries or sugarberries. The genus was described by Gagné in 1983. At least one species, Celticecis japonica, is known to serve as a host for parasitoid wasps in the genus Torymus.
Cerodontha
Cerodontha is a large genus of leaf-miner flies in the family Agromyzidae, containing at least 280 described species. Larvae feed internally on plant tissues, creating distinctive mines in leaves, stems, or leaf sheaths of grasses, sedges, and other monocots. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with significant diversity in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Several species are associated with economically important crops and pasture grasses.
Chilophaga
Chilophaga is a genus of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) established by Gagné in 1969. The genus includes species whose larvae develop in plant tissues, with Chilophaga virgati documented feeding on switchgrass inflorescences in the northern Great Plains. Members serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae.
Chlaenius impunctifrons
Chlaenius impunctifrons is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It is a member of the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains roughly 1,000 species worldwide. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Trimorus caraborum, which lays eggs inside the beetle's eggs. Like other ground beetles, it is likely predatory, though specific dietary details for this species are not well documented.
Chloridea virescens
Tobacco Budworm Moth, Tobacco Budworm
Chloridea virescens, the tobacco budworm moth, is a noctuid moth native to the Americas and a major agricultural pest. The species was transferred from genus Heliothis to Chloridea in 2013 based on genetic and morphological evidence. Adults are brownish with green tinge and distinctive wing banding. Larvae feed on buds, blossoms, and fruit of diverse host plants, causing significant crop damage. The species has developed rapid resistance to multiple insecticide classes, making management challenging.
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