Parasitoid-hosts
Guides
Acronicta
Dagger Moths
Acronicta is a genus of approximately 150 noctuid moth species distributed primarily in the temperate Holarctic, with some species extending into adjacent subtropical regions. Adults are medium-sized moths commonly known as dagger moths due to distinctive black dagger-shaped markings on the forewings of most species; some species display a conspicuous dark ring marking instead. The genus was established by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Aulacidea
Aulacidea is a genus of herb gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, tribe Aylacini. Species in this genus induce galls on herbaceous plants, particularly in the Asteraceae and Plantaginaceae families. The genus is considered basal within the cynipid complex and exhibits relatively simple gall developmental patterns compared to more derived cynipid lineages. Aulacidea species support diverse parasitoid communities, with some species serving as hosts for multiple parasitoid wasps.
Comadia
agave red worm (larvae of C. redtenbacheri), chinicuil (larvae of C. redtenbacheri), gusano rojo del maguey (larvae of C. redtenbacheri)
Comadia is a genus of carpenter moths (Cossidae) established in 1911, comprising 11 described species distributed in North America, particularly Mexico. The genus is best known for Comadia redtenbacheri, whose larvae are economically significant as edible insects (chinicuil or gusano rojo del maguey) and agricultural pests of Agave species. Larvae are internal borers of agave tissues, with a long, non-uniform life cycle exceeding one year. Adults are nocturnal with documented calling and mating behaviors. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision and molecular studies to clarify species boundaries.
Feltia
Feltia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus comprises approximately 18 described species distributed primarily across North America, with some species extending into northern Eurasia. Several Feltia species are notable agricultural pests, with larvae commonly known as cutworms or armyworms that feed on a variety of crops. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many species transferred from related genera such as Agrotis and Trichosilia based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Graphisurus
Graphisurus is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) containing five North American species. Members are medium-sized beetles with distinctive elytral patterning. The genus exhibits notable host plant fidelity, with individual species specializing on particular tree genera: G. triangulifer primarily on Celtis (hackberry), G. despectus on Carya (hickory), and G. fasciatus on Quercus (oak). Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Heterocampa
prominent moths
Heterocampa is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae containing approximately 18 described species. Species occur in North, Central, and South America. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision; research published in 2021 resulted in some species being transferred to the genera Cecrita, Macrurocampa, and Rifargia. Several species are forest defoliators, with Heterocampa guttivitta (saddled prominent) and H. manteo (variable oakleaf caterpillar) being among the better studied due to their economic and ecological significance.
Mirini
Mirini is a large tribe of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae) containing over 180 genera distributed worldwide. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Lygus, whose members are major agricultural pests of North American crops. Mirini species exhibit diverse ecological associations, including myrmecomorphic (ant-mimicking) forms and specialized relationships with particular host plants.
Nadata
Nadata is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, established by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus contains at least two North American species: Nadata gibbosa and Nadata oregonensis. These moths are notable as hosts for certain parasitoid wasps, particularly thread-waisted wasps in the genus Ammophila.
Rhamphini
Flea Weevils
Rhamphini is a tribe of weevils (Curculionidae: Curculioninae) commonly known as flea weevils, characterized by their jumping ability. The tribe includes economically significant leaf-mining species that feed on diverse host plants including poplars, elms, willows, and various herbs. Members exhibit diverse biogeographic distributions across the Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions, with notable diversity in Asia and Europe.
Sisyridae
spongillaflies, spongeflies
Sisyridae, commonly known as spongillaflies or spongeflies, are a small family of aquatic Neuroptera with approximately 60 extant species worldwide. Adults are small, brownish or greyish insects resembling brown lacewings (Hemerobiidae), with forewings spanning 4–10 mm. The family is distinguished by their unique larval biology: larvae are aquatic and obligate predators of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillidae) and bryozoans (Phylactolaemata), using elongated piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract cell contents. Larvae possess seven pairs of jointed, movable tracheal gills on the abdomen—a trait unique among extant insects. The family has a fossil record extending to the Late Cretaceous, with two extant subfamilies (Sisyrinae and Paradoxosisyrinae) and four living genera: Climacia, Sisyborina, Sisyra, and Sisyrina.
Xiphydriidae
wood wasps, swordtail sawflies
Xiphydriidae is a family of approximately 150 species of wood wasps distributed worldwide across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions. Adults are distinguished by their globose (dome-shaped) heads borne on long, slender necks, with body lengths ranging from 6–21 mm. Larvae are wood borers in dead or dying trees and branches, where they feed on symbiotic fungi rather than wood directly. The family has a fossil record extending to the mid-Cretaceous, with the oldest known fossils from this period.
Zodariidae
Ant-eating Spiders, Ant Spiders
Zodariidae, commonly known as ant-eating spiders, is a family of small to medium-sized eight-eyed spiders found worldwide in tropical to warm temperate regions. The family comprises approximately 90 genera and 1,249 species, with the highest diversity in Australia. Members are predominantly ground-dwelling, free-living predators that do not construct webs for prey capture. Many species exhibit specialized ant-eating habits and aggressive mimicry, disguising themselves as ants to hunt their primary prey. The family has relatively few species in North America compared to other regions.