Parasitoid-host
Guides
Phyllophaga anxia
Forest-ogre June Beetle, Cranberry White Grub, Common June Beetle
Phyllophaga anxia is a large scarab beetle native to North America, commonly known as the forest-ogre June beetle or cranberry white grub. Adults are nocturnal fliers active primarily in May and June, with males attracted to light during pre-copulatory flights. The species is a significant agricultural pest, with larvae feeding on roots of various host plants and adults feeding on foliage. It serves as host for multiple parasitoids including the American pelecinid wasp Pelecinus polyturator and several mite species.
Phyllophaga congrua
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga congrua is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across the central and eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, the larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The species contributes to soil ecosystem processes through burrowing activity, though this can result in agricultural damage when larval densities are high.
Phyllophaga obsoleta vanelleri
Phyllophaga obsoleta vanelleri is a subspecies of May beetle within the scarab genus Phyllophaga. The genus Phyllophaga comprises scarab beetle larvae commonly known as 'white grubs,' which are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. This subspecies is part of a complex of Phyllophaga species that serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps including Pelecinus polyturator and Myzinum species.
Phyllotreta cruciferae
crucifer flea beetle, canola flea beetle, rape flea beetle
Phyllotreta cruciferae is a flea beetle and significant agricultural pest of cruciferous crops, particularly canola, rapeseed, and other Brassica species. Adults are small, black, and shiny with enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species overwinters as adults in leaf litter and topsoil, emerging in early spring to feed on host plants. Population dynamics vary by region and year, with one to two generations annually depending on thermal accumulation.
Phytomyza ranunculi
Ranunculus leaf-mining fly
Phytomyza ranunculi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae that develops within leaves of Ranunculus plants (buttercups). Adults are approximately 2 mm long and highly variable in coloration, with several named color variants. The larvae are primarily leaf-miners, forming long, conspicuous white mines with frass arranged in close strings. The species is widespread in Europe and occurs in the Palearctic region. Pupae are heavily parasitized, with up to 75% of puparia attacked by parasitoid wasps.
Phytomyzinae
leaf-miner flies
Phytomyzinae is a subfamily of leaf-mining flies within the family Agromyzidae, comprising at least 520 described species. The larvae of these flies are internal feeders that create distinctive mines within plant leaves. They serve as hosts for various parasitoid wasps, including braconids and chalcidids. The subfamily includes economically significant genera such as Liriomyza and Phytomyza.
Piophila
cheese flies, wine flies
Piophila is a genus of small dipteran flies in the family Piophilidae, comprising two species: Piophila casei (the cheese fly or ham skipper) and Piophila megastigmata. Both species are carrion feeders with forensic importance, and P. casei is a significant pest of cured meat and cheese products. The genus occurs in the Palearctic and has been introduced to other regions.
Poecilosomella angulata
lesser dung fly
Poecilosomella angulata is a species of lesser dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae. It has been recorded as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae in Brazil, where it develops in cattle manure. The species is known from South Africa and Brazil based on available distribution records.
Polycesta californica
Polycesta californica is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by LeConte in 1857. It belongs to the subgenus Tularensia within the genus Polycesta. The species is native to western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. As a member of the jewel beetle family, it exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of Buprestidae.
Prescottia lobata
Prescottia lobata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1894. Originally placed in the genus Scaphoideus, it was later transferred to Prescottia. The species has been documented as a host for the digger wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata, which paralyzes adult leafhoppers to provision its nest cells. As a member of the subfamily Deltocephalinae, it belongs to one of the largest and most diverse groups of leafhoppers.
Prochoerodes forficaria
Prochoerodes forficaria is a geometrid moth species found in North America. The species has been documented as a host for the ichneumon wasp Pimpla sanguinipes (also known as Coccygomimus sanguinipes), which parasitizes its caterpillars. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6981.
Prokelisia
delphacid planthoppers
Prokelisia is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, containing approximately five described species. The genus is best known for P. marginata, a salt marsh specialist that exhibits striking wing dimorphism with flightless brachypter and fully winged macropter forms. These planthoppers feed on Spartina cordgrasses and serve as hosts for diverse parasitoid communities including egg parasitoids (Anagrus spp.), nymphal parasitoids (Gonatopus, Neon), and adult parasitoids (Eurypteryx). The genus has become a model system for studying the evolution and maintenance of dispersal polymorphisms in heterogeneous environments.
Psilocorsis
Psilocorsis is a genus of moths in the family Depressariidae, first described by Clemens in 1860. Species within this genus are known as leaf-tiers or leaf-tiers, with larvae that construct shelters by binding together leaves of their host plants. The genus contains approximately 14 recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Larvae are associated with woody plants including oaks (Quercus) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and serve as hosts for parasitoid wasp communities.
Psilocorsis quercicella
oak leaftier moth, oak leaf-tying psilocorsis moth
Psilocorsis quercicella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae whose larvae construct leaf shelters by tying oak leaves together. The species is known from the eastern and central United States. Larvae skeletonize oak leaves and serve as prey for parasitoid wasps, including mason wasps in the genus Ancistrocerus. The moth has been observed to have a community of parasitoid species attacking its larval stage.
Psychidae
Bagworm Moths, Bagworms, Bagmoths
Psychidae, commonly known as bagworm moths, is a family of approximately 1,350 described species of Lepidoptera. The family is distinguished by the larval behavior of constructing portable protective cases from silk and environmental materials such as twigs, leaves, or bark. These cases, which give the group its common name, are carried throughout larval development and serve as pupal shelters. Adult males are typically winged, while females of many species are flightless and remain within their cases.
Puliciphora
Puliciphora is a genus of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) containing at least 110 described species. The genus occurs primarily in the Australasian and Oriental Regions, with records from Southeast Asia including Malaysia. Puliciphora species have been documented in association with decomposing animal remains, indicating potential forensic relevance. A larval parasitoid Hymenoptera has been reported from within an adult fly abdomen, representing a rare host-parasitoid interaction.
Rabidosa punctulata
Dotted Wolf Spider
Rabidosa punctulata is a ground-dwelling wolf spider distributed across the eastern and central United States. Mature females average 15.2 mm in body length, males 12.8 mm. The species exhibits distinctive alternative male mating tactics: complex multimodal courtship displays with substrate-borne vibrations and visual leg waves toward unmated females, versus direct coercive mounting with grappling toward already-mated females. Females carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and provide extended maternal care, with spiderlings riding on the mother's abdomen for approximately three weeks after emergence.
Rabidosa santrita
Santa Rita Wolf Spider
Rabidosa santrita is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States and Mexico. It is a known host for the spider wasp Anoplius aethiops, which paralyzes and provisions it as food for its larvae. The species belongs to a genus of large, ground-dwelling wolf spiders that exhibit maternal care by carrying egg sacs and spiderlings.
Rekoa marius
Marius hairstreak
Rekoa marius, known as the Marius hairstreak, is a Neotropical butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males showing dark iridescent blue uppersides and females gray. The species ranges from Paraguay to northern Mexico, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas and Arizona. Larvae display complex ecological associations including myrmecophily with carpenter ants and feeding on diverse host plants.
Resseliella
Resseliella is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 50 described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably R. maxima (soybean gall midge) which threatens soybean production in the north-central United States, as well as R. citrifrugis, a major citrus pest in China, and R. theobaldi (raspberry cane midge), an important pest of cultivated red raspberry in Europe. Some species exhibit mutualistic relationships with plants, such as R. kadsurae which pollinates Kadsura longipedunculata in China.
Rhagoletis fausta
black cherry fruit fly, black-bodied cherry fruit fly
Rhagoletis fausta is a tephritid fruit fly native to North America, commonly known as the black cherry fruit fly. The species was first described in 1877 and later transferred to the genus Rhagoletis in 1899. It is a documented pest of cherry trees, with both cultivated and wild cherries recorded as hosts. Research in California has established its distribution patterns and seasonal phenology, and it serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Diachasma muliebre.
Rhinusa neta
Rhinusa neta is a seed-feeding weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive toadflax species. Adults are active from May to August. Larvae develop inside seed capsules of host plants, feeding on immature seeds. The complete development cycle from egg to adult averages approximately 60 days under standard laboratory conditions.
Sagotylus confluens
Sagotylus confluens is a true bug in the family Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs), first described by Say in 1832 as Coreus confluens. The species has been recorded from Mexico and the southwestern United States including Arizona, California, and Florida. A 2021 study in Veracruz, Mexico, documented seven species of parasitoid wasps associated with its eggs, including members of Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae, Encyrtidae, and Scelionidae. The species has been collected from sword bean (Canavalia ensiformis) plants.
Saperda populnea
small poplar borer
Saperda populnea is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) that forms distinctive woody galls on twigs of poplars and willows. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758 and has a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. Females create characteristic horseshoe-shaped cuts on host twigs where eggs are deposited, leading to gall formation. The beetle is of economic concern in hybrid aspen plantations due to damage to young trees.
Schizocosa crassipalpata
Schizocosa crassipalpata is a species of wolf spider (family Lycosidae) described by Roewer in 1951. It belongs to the genus Schizocosa, which comprises medium-sized wolf spiders often recognized by their distinct dorsal color patterns. The species is known from the United States and Canada, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature. It has been documented as a host for the mantidfly Climaciella brunnea, whose larvae parasitize wolf spider egg sacs.
Schizocosa minnesotensis
Schizocosa minnesotensis is a wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae. It occurs in the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Schizocosa, it is a ground-dwelling active hunter. The species has been documented as a host for the mantidfly Climaciella brunnea, whose larvae board female spiders and feed on their egg sac contents.
Sciota dammersi
leadplant webworm
Sciota dammersi, commonly known as the leadplant webworm, is a species of moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. It is one of several leafroller species in the genus Sciota, which are known to serve as prey for the Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monobia quadridens). The species name honors entomologist Charles Dammers. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, suggesting it may be uncommon, locally distributed, or underreported.
Scutelleridae
Jewel Bugs, Metallic Shield Bugs, Shield-backed Bugs
Scutelleridae is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as jewel bugs or shield-backed bugs. Members are distinguished by a greatly enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield over the abdomen and wings, often displaying brilliant metallic or iridescent coloration. This family includes approximately 81 genera and over 450 species distributed worldwide, with notable genera including Eurygaster, Scutellera, and Solenosthedium. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cereal crops.
Selenisa sueroides
pale-edged selenisa, legume caterpillar
Selenisa sueroides is a noctuid moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. The species is known from North America, with notable populations in Florida. Larvae have been documented causing damage to agricultural irrigation infrastructure by chewing through plastic microtubing. The species serves as host to multiple parasitoid species.
Sepedon fuscipennis
marsh fly
Sepedon fuscipennis is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae. The larvae are aquatic predators of pulmonate snails, living just beneath the water surface suspended by water-resistant hairs surrounding their posterior spiracles. Adults are slender flies with a concave face and jutting antennae; males have distinctive bowed hind tibiae and swollen, toothed hind femora for grasping females during mating. The species exhibits overlapping generations during summer with unimodal population peaks, and has been studied for its potential in biological control of snail hosts of parasitic diseases.
Sibinia
leguminous seed weevils
Sibinia is a genus of seed weevils in the family Curculionidae containing at least 20 described species. The genus is divided into three subgenera: Sibinia (s. str.), Dichotychius, and Microtychius. Species develop as larvae within seeds of host plants, primarily in the families Caryophyllaceae and Plumbaginaceae. The genus has been studied for its potential use in biological control of invasive plants.
Sirex areolatus
Areolate Woodwasp
Sirex areolatus, commonly known as the Areolate Woodwasp, is a species of horntail wasp in the family Siricidae. Like other members of its family, females possess a prominent ovipositor used to deposit eggs into wood, and a shorter dorsal cornus that gives the group its common name. The species has been recorded in parts of Canada including British Columbia and Nova Scotia, with some doubtful records from Europe. As a wood-boring insect, it develops in dead or dying hardwood trees, where larvae feed on wood-rotting fungi introduced by the female during oviposition.
Sirex cyaneus
blue horntail
Sirex cyaneus, commonly known as the blue horntail, is a species of woodwasp in the family Siricidae. Native to forests in Alberta, Canada, adults reach approximately 2 cm in length. The species serves as a host for parasitoid wasps including Rhyssa persuasoria and Ibalia leucospoides, which have been studied for potential biological control applications.
Sirex nigricornis
black-horned woodwasp, native woodwasp
Sirex nigricornis is a native North American woodwasp (family Siricidae) that inhabits pine forests in the eastern United States. Unlike the invasive congener Sirex noctilio, this species primarily attacks stressed, dying, or recently dead pines rather than healthy trees. Females possess a prominent ovipositor for drilling into wood and deposit eggs along with a symbiotic wood-decaying fungus. The species serves as host for multiple parasitoids including the nematode Deladenus proximus, which sterilizes female eggs, and the ichneumonid wasp Rhyssa howdenorum.
Smicronyx fulvus
Red Sunflower Seed Weevil
Smicronyx fulvus, commonly known as the red sunflower seed weevil, is a small seed-feeding weevil in the family Curculionidae. Adults are 2.5–3 mm long and reddish-brown in color. The species is a significant pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America, with larvae developing inside developing achenes and reducing seed oil content by approximately 30% per larva. It has a univoltine life cycle with adults present throughout the growing season.
Solierella
Solierella is a genus of solitary digger wasps in the family Crabronidae, tribe Miscophini. Species nest in soil and provision their larvae with paralyzed spiders. The genus has been recorded from North America and India. Males patrol nesting areas, and nests are subject to parasitism by chrysidid wasps.
Spodoptera latifascia
velvet armyworm, lateral-lined armyworm, garden armyworm
Spodoptera latifascia is a noctuid moth native to Central America and the Antilles, extending into North America from Texas to Florida. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 42 mm and are active from March to October depending on location. The species was originally described by Walker in 1856 as Prodenia latifascia. Spodoptera cosmioides, a South American species formerly considered synonymous with S. latifascia, has been reinstated as a valid species.
Stenocranus
delphacid planthoppers
Stenocranus is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, containing more than 70 described species. Species within this genus exhibit wing polymorphism, with macropterous (long-winged) and sub-macropterous forms occurring in at least some species. Several species are documented crop pests, particularly of corn, rice, and sugarcane. The genus has a broad distribution with records from Europe, North America, and Asia, though individual species vary in their geographic ranges. Some species have shown invasive potential, with range expansions into new regions documented in recent decades.
Swammerdamia pyrella
Little Ermel, Rufous-tipped Swammerdamia Moth
A small ermine moth (Yponomeutidae) with a wingspan of 10–13 mm, distributed across Europe, North America, and Japan. Adults fly in two generations from late April to August. Larvae feed on Rosaceae fruit trees, initially mining leaves then feeding externally while tying leaf edges with silk to form protective 'boats'. The species serves as host to a diverse parasitoid community and is subject to significant natural biological control.
Symmerista solistella
Symmerista solistella is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Miller in 2021. It belongs to a genus known for caterpillars that serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps, particularly thread-waisted wasps in the genus Ammophila. The genus Symmerista is characterized by caterpillars that feed on oak and other hardwood foliage.
Tachardiella
lac scales
Tachardiella is a genus of lac scales (Hemiptera: Kerriidae) known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Species in this genus are associated with specific host plants and serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps in the genus Tachardiobius (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). The genus is poorly studied, with limited biological and ecological documentation available.
Tetraleurodes
whitefly
Tetraleurodes is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) containing multiple species associated with woody plants in the Americas. Species such as T. perseae and T. ursorum are recognized as agricultural pests of avocado and citrus respectively. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns in adults and waxy secretions produced by nymphs. Multiple Eretmocerus species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) have been documented as parasitoids of Tetraleurodes in Mexico.
Tetrapriocera
horned powder-post beetles
Tetrapriocera is a genus of horned powder-post beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by Horn in 1878. The genus comprises at least four described species. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles, with T. longicornis documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Acrophasmus sp. in Panama.
Thasus neocalifornicus
giant mesquite bug
Thasus neocalifornicus is a large, distinctive true bug in the family Coreidae, commonly known as the giant mesquite bug. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males possessing heavily armed, thickened hind legs compared to the more slender, red-and-black banded hind legs of females. It is associated with mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where adults feed on sap and developing seeds. The species has been documented as a host for the egg parasitoid wasp Neorileya ashmeadi (family Eurytomidae).
Thymelicus
skippers
Thymelicus is a Palearctic genus of skipper butterflies (Hesperiidae) and the sole member of the tribe Thymelini. The genus includes approximately 12 described species, several of which have been subjects of conservation and biological study. Two species—Thymelicus sylvestris (small skipper) and Thymelicus lineola (European skipper/Essex skipper)—have been introduced to North America, where T. lineola has become a notable agricultural pest. The genus has served as a model for studies in conservation translocation, parasite-host relationships, and insect developmental biology.
Thymelicus lineola
Essex Skipper, European Skipper
Thymelicus lineola is a small skipper butterfly native to Europe and introduced to North America prior to 1910. In Europe it is known as the Essex Skipper; in North America it is called the European Skipper. The species has spread extensively across eastern Canada and the northern United States, with populations established as far west as British Columbia. It is univoltine with five larval instars. Adults are active in summer and exhibit thermoregulatory basking behavior. Males use perching and patrolling strategies to locate mates and release pheromones from androconial scent scales during courtship.
Thyridopteryx
bagworm moths
Thyridopteryx is a genus of bagworm moths (Psychidae) comprising five described species. The genus is best known for T. ephemeraeformis, the evergreen bagworm or North American bagworm, a significant pest of ornamental and landscape plants. Larvae construct protective cases from silk and plant fragments, which they carry throughout their development. The genus exhibits unusual sexual dimorphism: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are wingless and remain within their cases for life.
Tremex
woodwasp, horntail
Tremex is a genus of woodwasps (family Siricidae) containing approximately 33 species with a primarily Holarctic distribution. These large, cylindrical wasps are characterized by females possessing a prominent, spear-like ovipositor used to bore into hardwood trees and lay eggs. Unlike their relatives in the subfamily Siricinae, Tremex species associate with the white-rot fungus Cerrena unicolor rather than Amylostereum. The larvae tunnel through wood and feed on both the fungus and decayed wood material. Though they appear intimidating due to their size and visible ovipositor, they are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.
Trimerotropini
band-winged grasshoppers
Trimerotropini is a tribe of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Oedipodinae. The tribe comprises at least 70 described species distributed across five genera: Circotettix, Conozoa, Dissosteira, Spharagemon, and Trimerotropis. The genus Trimerotropis alone contains 49 recognized species and has been described as an ecologically important group of American grasshoppers. Members of this tribe serve as hosts for parasitoid flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae.
Urocerus californicus
California Horntail
Urocerus californicus, commonly known as the California Horntail, is a large wood-boring wasp in the family Siricidae. Adults are striking insects with elongated, cigar-shaped bodies and prominent ovipositors in females. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are non-venomous and do not sting. The species is native to western North America, with records from Oregon, California, and British Columbia. Like other horntails, females bore into dead or dying hardwood trees to deposit eggs, introducing symbiotic fungi that help break down wood for larval consumption.