Parasitoid-wasp
Guides
Mesoleptidea
Mesoleptidea is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Viereck in 1912. The genus is poorly studied, with minimal published information on its biology and species composition. Records indicate presence in northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and Denmark. As with other ichneumonid genera, members are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Messatoporus compressicornis
Messatoporus compressicornis is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cushman in 1929. It belongs to the genus Messatoporus, a group within the large family Ichneumonidae. The species name compressicornis refers to the compressed or flattened antennae characteristic of this taxon. As with most ichneumonid wasps, this species is presumed to be parasitoid, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in entomological collections and has 35 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by field entomologists.
Messatoporus rufiventris
Messatoporus rufiventris Cushman, 1929 is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Cryptinae. It was originally described as a valid species but has been synonymized under Messatoporus discoidalis (Cresson) based on a 2013 revision of the genus. The genus Messatoporus is a large New World group containing 89 recognized species, characterized by distinctive morphological features including a long tapered mandible with reduced ventral tooth and a specialized ovipositor structure. No specific biological or ecological data has been documented for M. rufiventris itself.
Metanotalia maderensis
Metanotalia maderensis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described by Walker in 1872 as Ectroma maderense. It is endemic to the Madeira archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. The genus Metanotalia is a small group within the Encyrtidae, a family known for their role as parasitoids of scale insects and other hemipteran pests. Specimens of this species are held in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Encyrtidae collection, one of the largest collections of this family globally.
Meteorinae
meteorine wasps
Meteorinae is a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps, though since 2015 most scientists have treated this clade as the tribe Meteorini within Euphorinae. The group is characterized by koinobiont endoparasitoid biology, attacking larval Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. The subfamily's name derives from the distinctive pupal stage, in which the cocoon hangs suspended from a long silk thread when parasitizing lepidopteran hosts. Several species have been employed in biological control programs against forest and agricultural pests.
Microgastrinae
Microgastrinae is a subfamily of braconid wasps containing approximately 3,000 described species, with an estimated total diversity of 30,000–50,000 species. Members are small koinobiont endoparasitoids of larval Lepidoptera, and represent one of the most species-rich groups of parasitoid wasps. They are distinguished by their 18-segmented antennae and association with polydnaviruses, which are essential for successful parasitism.
Microplitis
Microplitis is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, comprising over 190 described species distributed worldwide. These small parasitoid wasps are larval endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera, primarily attacking caterpillars of Noctuidae and related families. Several species are important in biological control programs against agricultural pests, including M. croceipes and M. demolitor which parasitize Heliothis/Helicoverpa species. The genus was revised in 2015 for the Neotropics and in 2019 for India, with new species continuing to be described.
Mira mucora
Mira mucora is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. It was described by Schellenberg in 1803, making it one of the earlier described species in this family. The genus Mira is a small genus within the Encyrtidae, a family known for their role as parasitoids of scale insects and other homopteran pests. Specimens of this species are present in major entomological collections including the University of California, Riverside Encyrtidae holdings.
Mirax
miracine wasps
Mirax is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Miracinae (Braconidae). Species are typically 1–2 mm in length and are koinobiont endoparasitoids of leaf-mining caterpillars. The genus has been documented in Australia, Puerto Rico, and other regions, with several species described through citizen science initiatives. Some species, such as Mirax insularis, have been studied for their potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Mnioes lunatus
Mnioes lunatus is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Kennedy in 1966. It belongs to the large and diverse family Ichneumonidae, which comprises parasitoid wasps that attack other insects. Very little published information exists on the specific biology or host relationships of this species.
Neamblymorpha
Neamblymorpha is a genus of ichneumon wasps described by Heinrich in 1960. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The genus has been documented in the northeastern United States, with records from Vermont. Like other ichneumonids, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Neamblymorpha milva
Neamblymorpha milva is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Neamblymorpha is a small group within this large family of parasitoid wasps. This species was described by Ezra Cresson in 1867. Records indicate it occurs in the northeastern United States, with documented observations from Vermont.
Neorhacodes
Neorhacodes is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Hedicke in 1922. The genus is recorded from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other ichneumonid genera, species are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Neotheronia bicincta
Neotheronia bicincta is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1865. The genus Neotheronia belongs to the large and diverse ichneumonid wasp family, whose members are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. As with most ichneumonids, this species is likely a parasitoid, though specific host records and biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Netanyacra
Netanyacra is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Heinrich in 1968. The genus belongs to the diverse parasitoid wasp lineage within Hymenoptera. Very few observations exist in public databases, with only five records on iNaturalist. Species-level taxonomy and biology remain poorly documented.
Nothocremastus
Nothocremastus is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Dasch in 1979. The genus is represented by the species Nothocremastus intermedius, described from California. Like other ichneumonids, members are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations remain undocumented in available sources.
Notopygus
Notopygus is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and species diversity. Based on its placement within Ichneumonidae, members are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations remain unconfirmed. The genus name refers to the characteristic dorsal abdominal structure, with 'noto-' (back) and 'pygus' (rump) alluding to a distinctive posterior feature.
Notopygus virginiensis
Notopygus virginiensis is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cushman in 1915. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The genus Notopygus is part of the diverse ichneumonoid complex, with species typically characterized by specialized parasitoid life histories targeting other insects. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Omyomymar
Omyomymar is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Mymaridae, first described by Schauff in 1983. Members of this genus are extremely small, consistent with other fairyflies in the family. The genus has been recorded from both the Neotropical region and the Nearctic region.
Ophion slossonae
Ophion slossonae is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Davis in 1893. It belongs to a genus notorious for taxonomic difficulty, with museum collections containing numerous unidentified specimens. The species was one of only eleven Ophion species known from North America for over a century until modern molecular and morphometric techniques enabled the description of additional species. Like other Ophioninae, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to artificial lights.
Ophionellus texanus
Ophionellus texanus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1872. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose biology remains poorly documented. The species epithet "texanus" indicates a type locality or association with Texas. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships have not been established for this species.
Orasema costaricensis
Orasema costaricensis is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Eucharitidae, first described by Wheeler & Wheeler in 1937. Like other members of the genus Orasema, it is likely a parasitoid of ant larvae, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. The species name indicates its Costa Rican origin. Records from the Galápagos Islands suggest some dispersal capacity or potential human-mediated introduction.
Oresbius fulvibasis
Oresbius fulvibasis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Townes in 1962. It belongs to the genus Oresbius, a group of parasitoid wasps whose biology remains poorly documented. The species epithet 'fulvibasis' refers to a tawny or yellowish coloration at the base of some body part, likely the abdomen or legs. Like other members of Ichneumonidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not established.
Orthogonalys
Orthogonalys is a genus of trigonalid wasps comprising hyperparasitoid species. At least one species, Orthogonalys pulchella, employs a distinctive 'scattershot' approach to host location, a notable behavioral adaptation among parasitoid wasps. The genus belongs to the family Trigonalidae, a group known for complex life histories involving secondary parasitism.
Oxyrrhexis carbonator texana
Oxyrrhexis carbonator texana is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Oxyrrhexis. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The subspecies was described by Cresson in 1870. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host associations for this subspecies have not been documented in the provided sources. The nominate subspecies Oxyrrhexis carbonator carbonator occurs in Europe, while O. c. texana is the North American form.
Pachyneuron
Pachyneuron is a cosmopolitan genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, comprising approximately 60 valid species. Species are primarily hyperparasitoids of Sternorrhyncha (aphids, coccids, and psyllids), attacking the primary parasitoids of these herbivores. Some species also hyperparasitize predatory insects such as ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) and lacewings (Chrysopidae) via their parasitoids. Certain species, including P. aphidis and P. albutius, have been documented as direct parasitoids of dipteran larvae or pupae. The genus has been studied in the context of biological control, where hyperparasitism may interfere with pest management programs.
Pambolus
Pambolus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Pambolinae. The genus was established by Haliday in 1836. Species have been documented from the Oriental region, including recent descriptions from the western Himalayas of India. Members are small wasps with limited published biological data.
Parancistrocerus rectangulis
Parancistrocerus rectangulis is a small solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Like other members of its genus, it nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or beetle borings, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae. The species was described by Viereck in 1908. Specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature, though genus-level traits suggest typical eumenine biology.
Paroligoneurus
Paroligoneurus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Ichneutinae. The genus was established by Muesebeck in 1931. At least one species, P. indicus, has been described from northern India. Members of this genus are small braconid wasps, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Patrocloides montanus
Patrocloides montanus is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cresson in 1864. The genus Patrocloides belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps. Records indicate this species occurs in Canada, with documented localities in Alberta including Edmonton, Red Deer, and Waterton, as well as additional sites in southern and central regions of the country.
Pediobius alcaeus
Pediobius alcaeus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Walker in 1839. It belongs to a genus known for biological control of agricultural pests. The species has been recorded in multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Like other Pediobius species, it likely functions as a parasitoid of insect hosts, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Pediobius aphidiphagus
Pediobius aphidiphagus is a parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Ashmead in 1887. The species epithet 'aphidiphagus' indicates its association with aphid hosts. It belongs to a genus of chalcid wasps that are predominantly parasitoids of various insect hosts. Distribution records indicate presence in Canada across multiple provinces including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. The species is part of a taxonomic group that includes economically important biocontrol agents, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Pentapleura
Pentapleura is a genus name applied to two unrelated taxonomic groups: a genus of parasitoid wasps in family Braconidae (subfamily Alysiinae) and a genus of flowering plants in family Lamiaceae. The wasp genus includes species such as Pentapleura foveolata, known from the eastern United States. The plant genus contains a single species, Pentapleura subulifera, native to southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq.
Phaeogenes nigridens
Phaeogenes nigridens is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Wesmael in 1845. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Tycherus nigridens. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, a large group of parasitoid wasps. Records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and the conterminous United States.
Pimpla marginella
Pimpla marginella is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Brulle in 1846. As a member of the genus Pimpla, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources. The species has been recorded in observation databases, indicating it is encountered in the field, but published literature focusing specifically on P. marginella is scarce.
Pimpla sanguinipes
Pimpla sanguinipes is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is a parasitoid wasp, though specific host relationships and detailed biology remain poorly documented. The species was described by Cresson in 1872.
Plagiotrypes concinnus
Plagiotrypes concinnus is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Thomas Say in 1829. It belongs to a genus within the diverse family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships and detailed biology remain poorly documented.
Platylabops faciens
Platylabops faciens is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae. The species was described by Townes in 1971. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive labial morphology. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Platylabops pecki
Platylabops pecki is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. The genus Platylabops belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Very few records of this species exist in public databases. A single observation has been documented from White Fox, California.
Platylabus clarus
Platylabus clarus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Cresson in 1867. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, a large and diverse group of parasitoid wasps. The species has been documented in North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Platylabus ornatus
Platylabus ornatus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Provancher in 1875. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps, characterized by their parasitoid life history. The genus Platylabus is part of the subfamily Ichneumoninae. Very little specific information is available about the biology, distribution, or ecology of this particular species.
Polyaulon canadensis
Polyaulon canadensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Harrington in 1894. It belongs to the genus Polyaulon, a group of parasitoid wasps. Very little is known about its biology, host associations, or ecological role. The species name 'canadensis' indicates its occurrence in Canada, though specific distribution details remain poorly documented. Like other ichneumonids, it presumably functions as a parasitoid of other insects, but this has not been directly confirmed for this species.
Polyaulon grandis
A species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Polyaulon, first described by Cushman in 1921. As a member of the family Ichneumonidae, it is a parasitoid wasp, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature. The genus Polyaulon is classified within the superfamily Ichneumonoidea, one of the most diverse groups of parasitoid wasps.
Polycyrtus neglectus
Polycyrtus neglectus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Cushman in 1926. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a group of parasitoid wasps characterized by their slender bodies and often long ovipositors. The genus Polycyrtus contains multiple species of small to medium-sized ichneumonids. Specific biological details for P. neglectus remain poorly documented in published literature.
Polystenidea
Polystenidea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Viereck in 1911. Members of this genus are part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna, which are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal species-level information available.
Polytribax contiguus
Polytribax contiguus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1864 and is currently accepted as valid. Like other members of the genus Polytribax, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus Polytribax is classified within the subfamily Ichneumoninae, one of the largest and most diverse subfamilies of ichneumonid wasps.
Prionomitus tiliaris
Prionomitus tiliaris is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Dalman in 1820. The species is documented in museum collections, including the UCR Encyrtidae holdings, which contain both point-mounted specimens and slide preparations. Distribution records indicate presence in Northern Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other Encyrtidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host associations for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Pristaulacus foxleei
Pristaulacus foxleei is a species of aulacid wasp in the family Aulacidae, described by Townes in 1950. It is native to North America, with records from western Canada including British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp associated with wood-boring beetles. The species is one of approximately 32 aulacid species documented in North America.
Pristomerus baumhoferi
Pristomerus baumhoferi is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cushman in 1930. It belongs to the genus Pristomerus, a group of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The species is known from limited collection records in California.
Promethes sulcator
Promethes sulcator is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1829. The species is known from scattered records across central Canada, with observations primarily from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the hyperdiverse ichneumonid wasp family, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Promethes is relatively small and poorly studied compared to other ichneumonid genera.