Parasitoid-wasp
Guides
Adelius floridensis
Adelius floridensis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by Shimbori and Shaw in 2019. The genus Adelius comprises small braconid wasps that are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. Species in this genus are generally poorly known, with limited published information on their biology and distribution. The specific epithet "floridensis" indicates a connection to Florida, though the precise type locality and host associations for this species remain undocumented in readily accessible literature.
Aeptencyrtus bruchi
Aeptencyrtus bruchi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. It was originally described as Pheidoloxenus bruchi by De Santis in 1957 and later transferred to the genus Aeptencyrtus. The species is present in the Hawaiian Islands and is represented in major entomological collections including the University of California, Riverside Encyrtidae holdings.
Ageniaspis bicoloripes
Ageniaspis bicoloripes is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Girault in 1915. The species is known from scattered records across eastern North America, including Massachusetts, New York, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a parasitoid of insects, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented in the provided sources. The species is represented in the UCR Encyrtidae collection, one of the largest collections of this family globally.
Agonocryptus
Agonocryptus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, established by Cushman in 1929. The genus occurs exclusively in the Neotropical region. A 2022 taxonomic revision significantly expanded known distributions, adding 115 new records across 16 species and increasing documented localities by nearly 70%. The genus exhibits notable morphological variation among species, with elevation preferences varying across taxa.
Aleiodes burrus
Aleiodes burrus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Cresson in 1869. Like other members of the genus Aleiodes, it is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of caterpillars. The species is part of a large genus containing numerous species that mummify their hosts. Specific biological details for A. burrus remain poorly documented in published literature.
Aleiodes kisomm
Aleiodes kisomm is a species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Rogadinae, described by Fortier. It belongs to a genus known for 'mummy-making' behavior, where larvae parasitize caterpillars and cause them to mummify. The species is documented from a primary type specimen housed at the University of California Riverside Entomology Research Museum (UCRC ENT 79338). As with other Aleiodes species, it is presumed to be a koinobiont endoparasitoid of Lepidoptera larvae, though specific host records for this species have not been published.
Aleiodes laphygmae
Aleiodes laphygmae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, originally described by Viereck in 1912. Like other members of the genus Aleiodes, it is a koinobiont endoparasitoid that develops inside host caterpillars. The species is part of a diverse genus containing numerous recently described species from tropical regions, many of which exhibit distinctive mummification behaviors in their hosts.
Allocyclosa bifurca
Bifurcate Trashline Orbweaver, Forked-tail Trashline Orbweaver
Allocyclosa bifurca is a small orb-weaving spider and the sole species in its genus. Adult females measure 5.1–8.5 mm in body length and are silvery or white in color. The species is distinguished by a forked (bifurcate) projection at the rear of the abdomen—two humps shaped like the letter 'M'—giving it the Latin name meaning 'two-forked.' This is the only Cyclosa-like species north of Mexico with this forked tail structure. The spider exhibits remarkable camouflage behavior, arranging debris and egg sacs in a vertical line through its web to masquerade as bird droppings. Unusually, males are rarely observed, and females possess vestigial external genitalia with no external opening, suggesting possible parthenogenic reproduction. The species is also notable as a host for parasitic wasps that chemically manipulate its web-building behavior.
Ambloplisus ornatus
Ambloplisus ornatus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1868. It is a parasitoid wasp belonging to the superfamily Ichneumonoidea, one of the most species-rich groups of parasitic wasps. The genus Ambloplisus is part of the diverse ichneumonid fauna of North America.
Ambositrinae
Ambositrinae is a subfamily of small parasitoid wasps within the family Diapriidae, established by Lubomir Masner in 1961. The group exhibits a predominantly Gondwanan distribution, with most extant species occurring in Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, and South America. The subfamily has been documented from Eocene amber deposits in Europe, indicating a broader historical distribution. Taxonomic revision of Australian Ambositrinae has identified multiple genera and numerous species, with wing reduction being a notable morphological feature in some lineages.
Anomalon ejuncidum
Anomalon ejuncidum is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Anomalon. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1835 and is currently recognized as valid. Members of the genus Anomalon are generally parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations for A. ejuncidum remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from Brazil.
Anomalon reticulatum
Anomalon reticulatum is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1865. It belongs to the genus Anomalon, a group of parasitoid wasps. The species is documented through limited observations, with occurrence records indicating a sparse but established presence. As with other members of Ichneumonidae, it is presumed to function as a parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented in available sources.
Anteon osborni
Anteon osborni is a species of dryinid wasp in the family Dryinidae, subfamily Anteoninae. First described by Fenton in 1918, this species belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps known for their distinctive raptorial forelegs used to capture and hold host prey. Dryinid wasps are solitary parasitoids that primarily target Hemiptera, particularly leafhoppers and planthoppers. The genus Anteon is one of the most diverse within Dryinidae, with species distributed across multiple continents.
Anteon rugosiceps
Anteon rugosiceps is a species of dryinid wasp in the family Dryinidae. The species was described by Olmi and is part of a genus of parasitoid wasps that target leafhoppers and planthoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). Dryinid wasps are characterized by their distinctive forelegs, which are modified into chelate (pincer-like) structures used to capture and hold their prey. Anteon species are generally small, slender wasps with reduced wing venation.
Aoplus
Aoplus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Tischbein in 1874. The genus contains species distributed across Europe and North America, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As ichneumonids, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain largely undocumented in the provided sources.
Apanteles
Apanteles is a large genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, containing over 600 described species worldwide. A 2014 study from Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste alone documented 186 new species, suggesting the genus is far more diverse than previously recognized. These small wasps (1–5 mm) are koinobiont endoparasitoids of caterpillars, with most species showing high host specificity.
Apanteles megathymi
Apanteles megathymi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Riley in 1881. It belongs to the genus Apanteles, a large and diverse group of microgastrine braconids that are important biological control agents. The species name 'megathymi' suggests a historical association with the genus Megathymus (giant skippers), though current host records require verification. Like other Apanteles species, it is likely a larval parasitoid of Lepidoptera.
Aphanistes rheumapterae
Aphanistes rheumapterae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Dasch in 1984. The specific epithet "rheumapterae" indicates a parasitoid association with moths in the genus Rheumaptera (Geometridae). Like other members of the genus Aphanistes, it is presumed to be a koinobiont endoparasitoid, though direct biological studies are limited. The species is rarely recorded, with minimal observational data available.
Aridelus nigrithorax
Aridelus nigrithorax is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Muesebeck in 1936. As a member of the genus Aridelus, it belongs to a group of small wasps that are parasitoids of other insects. The species epithet 'nigrithorax' refers to a dark or black thorax. No specific biological or ecological information about this species has been documented in the provided sources.
Asaphes suspensus
Asaphes suspensus is a common aphid hyperparasitoid wasp (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) that attacks aphidiine primary parasitoids within mummified aphids. The species exhibits sophisticated host discrimination behavior, including self-discrimination that favors unparasitized hosts over self-parasitized ones, but notably lacks interspecific discrimination against competitors. It employs ovicidal behavior as a competitive strategy, physically destroying competitor eggs through distinctive concave puncture sites. This species has been recorded from multiple continents including Europe, South America, and North America.
Asthenolabus canadensis
Asthenolabus canadensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1877. The genus Asthenolabus is poorly documented in the literature, with minimal published information on its biology, host associations, or distribution. The species epithet 'canadensis' suggests a North American distribution. Available records are sparse, with limited observational data from Canada.
Astiphromma splenium
Astiphromma splenium is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by John Curtis in 1833. The genus Astiphromma is small and poorly documented in the literature, with limited biological information available for most species. Records indicate this species occurs in Canada, with observations from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other ichneumonid wasps, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Aulogymnus io
Aulogymnus io is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Girault in 1916. It belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps known for their role in biological control of other insects. The genus Aulogymnus is part of the diverse Eulophinae subfamily, whose members are typically small parasitoids associated with various host insects. Available distributional records indicate presence in Massachusetts.
Austrozele
Austrozele is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Roman in 1910. The genus belongs to the ichneumonoid lineage of Hymenoptera, a group characterized by their larval development as parasitoids of other insects. As a braconid genus, Austrozele species are presumed to be koinobiont parasitoids, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus has been recorded from Southeast Asia based on specimen data.
Baeoneurella bicolor
Baeoneurella bicolor is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Scelionidae, a group of minute wasps that parasitize the eggs of various insects. The species epithet 'bicolor' suggests a two-toned color pattern, though specific morphological details remain undocumented in available sources. Scelionidae are among the most diverse families of parasitoid wasps, with most species being egg parasitoids of Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and other insect groups. The genus Baeoneurella is poorly known and represented by very few specimens in collections.
Barichneumon sorex
Barichneumon sorex is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps, whose members are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. The genus Barichneumon is part of this diverse group of parasitic wasps. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Baryceros audax
Baryceros audax is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1878. It belongs to a diverse group of parasitoid wasps characterized by their slender bodies and long antennae. As with most ichneumonids, this species is likely parasitoid, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus Baryceros contains relatively obscure species with limited published biological information.
Baryceros fortis
Baryceros fortis is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1878. It belongs to the genus Baryceros, a group of parasitoid wasps. The species is part of the diverse Ichneumonoidea superfamily, which contains some of the most species-rich lineages within Hymenoptera. As with most ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species remain poorly documented.
Baryceros texanus
Baryceros texanus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Ashmead in 1890. As a member of the parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae, this species likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships have not been documented in the provided sources. The species is known from Texas and surrounding regions, with 244 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Blastothrix
Blastothrix is a genus of encyrtid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. The genus includes species that function as parasitoids of scale insects, with Blastothrix sericea being a notable example used in classical biological control. This species was successfully introduced from England to British Columbia in 1928-1929 to manage the lecanium scale (Eulecanium coryli), achieving 90-100% parasitism rates and suppressing host populations within four years.
Boreogalba
Boreogalba is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Mackauer in 1962. As a member of the Ichneumonoidea superfamily, species in this genus are presumed to be koinobiont or idiobiont parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of braconid wasps, including reduced wing venation and a compact body form. Taxonomic knowledge of Boreogalba is limited, with few species descriptions and minimal biological study.
Boreogalba gladifer
Boreogalba gladifer is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by Mackauer in 1962. The genus Boreogalba is a small group within the ichneumonoid wasps, and this species is known from North America. Braconid wasps in this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host records for B. gladifer are not well documented.
Calliephialtes ferrugineus
Calliephialtes ferrugineus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cushman in 1940. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose members are known to attack concealed hosts, particularly moth larvae. The specific epithet 'ferrugineus' refers to a rusty or reddish-brown coloration. Very few documented observations of this species exist, with only two records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Calliephialtes notandus
Calliephialtes notandus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Very little is documented about this species. It belongs to a genus whose members are primarily parasitoids of concealed lepidopteran larvae, though some species have been recorded from other hosts. The species is known from only two iNaturalist observations, indicating it is either rare, poorly collected, or understudied.
Capitonius
Capitonius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Brullé in 1846. Members of this genus are small wasps belonging to the diverse ichneumonoid wasp radiation. The genus is poorly known, with minimal published biological information and only a handful of observations recorded.
Catadelphops
Catadelphops is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Heinrich in 1962. It belongs to the superfamily Ichneumonoidea, one of the largest groups of parasitoid wasps. The genus is poorly documented in published literature, with minimal available information on its biology and species diversity. Records indicate it has been rarely observed, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Ceratogastra
Ceratogastra is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The best-known species, Ceratogastra ornata, is a small wasp measuring 10–12 millimeters in body length, recognized by its ornate yellow and reddish-brown or black color pattern. Four subspecies of C. ornata are recognized, showing geographic variation in coloration from darker northern forms to paler western and southern populations. Members of this genus are flower visitors and parasitoids of moth larvae.
Chalcedectus caelata
Chalcedectus caelata is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Chalcedectidae, described by Grissell in 1991. It belongs to the superfamily Chalcidoidea, a diverse group of minute wasps. The family Chalcedectidae is a small, specialized group within this superfamily. Very little specific information is available about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Chalcedectus maculipennis
Chalcedectus maculipennis is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcedectidae, first described by Ashmead in 1896. The species name 'maculipennis' refers to spotted wings. It belongs to the superfamily Chalcidoidea, a large group of tiny parasitoid wasps. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Chalcedectus texanus
Chalcedectus texanus is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Chalcedectidae, originally described by Brues in 1907. The species is known from Texas, as indicated by its specific epithet and distribution records. Chalcedectidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea.
Charmon
Charmon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Charmontinae, established by Haliday in 1833. The genus comprises 10 recognized species with a predominantly Holarctic distribution, though recent records extend its range to Southeast Asia. Charmon thailandensis, described from Doi Phu Kha National Park in Thailand, represents the first documented occurrence of the genus in Southeast Asia. DNA barcode data suggest that morphologically similar species may not be closely related, indicating potential cryptic diversity within the genus.
Charmontinae
Charmontinae is a small subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Braconidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea). The subfamily contains the genus Charmon, with 10 recognized species distributed primarily in the Palearctic and Oriental regions. The first Southeast Asian record was documented from Thailand in 2023 with the description of Charmon thailandensis. Species identification relies on morphological characters and DNA barcode data.
Chorinaeus aequalis
Chorinaeus aequalis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Townes & Townes in 1959. It belongs to the genus Chorinaeus, which is part of the superfamily Ichneumonoidea. The species is known from at least one occurrence record in Edmonton, Canada, as documented in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Like other ichneumonid wasps, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships have not been documented.
Chrysocharis clarkae
Chrysocharis clarkae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, described by Carl M. Yoshimoto in 1973 as part of a revision of the subgenus Chrysocharis s. str. in North America north of Mexico. The species is one of six newly described in that revision. Members of the genus Chrysocharis are generally known as parasitoids of leaf-mining insects.
Chrysocharis occidentalis
Chrysocharis occidentalis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Girault in 1916. The genus Chrysocharis comprises small chalcidoid wasps known for their role as biological control agents of leaf-mining insects. Like other members of Eulophidae, this species likely develops as an internal parasitoid of larval insects, though specific host associations for C. occidentalis remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from western North America including California and Canadian provinces.
Chrysocharis wahli
Chrysocharis wahli is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, described from California in 1995. The genus Chrysocharis comprises small chalcid wasps that parasitize leaf-mining insects. This species is known only from the type locality in California and remains poorly studied.
Chrysonotomyia auripunctata
Chrysonotomyia auripunctata is a parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Ashmead in 1894 from Florida. The species is characterized by golden-yellow body coloration with dark punctate markings. It belongs to a genus of minute chalcid wasps that are understudied but likely associated with gall-forming insects on oaks and other plants.
Cidaphus australis
Cidaphus australis is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cushman in 1924 during his taxonomic review of North American Cidaphus. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a diverse group of parasitoid wasps. The species was distinguished from congeners C. paniscoides and C. occidentalis based on diagnostic morphological characters. As with most ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species is known from very few records, with only two observations documented in iNaturalist.
Cidaphus occidentalis
Cidaphus occidentalis is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Cidaphus, first described by Cushman in 1924. The type specimen, a female, was collected from Revelstoke, British Columbia. The species belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose biology remains poorly documented. Additional Canadian records include locations in Alberta (Edmonton, Elkwater Provincial Park, Wagner Natural Area) and the Northwest Territories (Franklin).
Clistopyga atrata
Clistopyga atrata is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cushman in 1921. The genus Clistopyga belongs to a diverse group of parasitoid wasps whose biology remains poorly documented. Like other ichneumonids, this species likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records are not well established. The species is distinguished by its dark coloration, as suggested by the specific epithet 'atrata' meaning black.