Parasitoid
Guides
Clausicella turmalis
Clausicella turmalis is a species of tachinid bristle fly described by Reinhard in 1946. It belongs to the subfamily Tachininae and tribe Leskiini. As a member of Tachinidae, it is likely an endoparasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species remain undocumented.
Cleonymus californicus
Cleonymus californicus is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Pteromalidae, described by Crawford in 1916. The species is known from California, reflecting its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus Cleonymus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in the available literature. The species is represented in major entomological collections, including the UCR Encyrtidae holdings.
Cleonymus magnificus
Cleonymus magnificus is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Cleonymidae, described by Ashmead in 1888. It belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps that attack wood-boring beetle larvae. The species has been recorded from Canada (Quebec) and the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited in available literature.
Cleptes
cuckoo wasps, jewel wasps
Cleptes is a genus of cuckoo wasps comprising approximately 100 recognized species, making it the largest genus in the subfamily Cleptinae. Members are parasitoids of sawfly prepupae, exhibiting the characteristic brood parasitism of their family. The genus has been relatively well studied in Europe and North America, though Asian faunas remain poorly documented. A 2013 revision from China recognized seventeen species, nine of which were newly described.
Cleptes rufigaster
cuckoo wasp, jewel wasp
Cleptes rufigaster is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. The genus Cleptes comprises parasitoid wasps known for their metallic coloration and distinctive nesting habits. Members of this genus are parasitoids of sawfly prepupae. The species was described from China as part of a 2013 revision that recognized seventeen Cleptes species from the country, nine of which were new to science.
Cleptes speciosus
Cleptes speciosus is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, first described from China. The species is one of nine new species discovered during the first systematic revision of the genus Cleptes from China. Members of this genus are parasitoids of sawfly prepupae and exhibit the distinctive metallic coloration and conglobation behavior characteristic of cuckoo wasps.
Cleptinae
Cleptinae is a small subfamily of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, containing three genera and approximately 100 described species. They are obligate parasitoids of prepupal larvae of tenthredinid sawflies. Members are generally medium-sized, measuring 4–6 mm in length. They may be locally abundant during outbreaks of their host populations, though generally considered rare.
Climaciella brunnea
Wasp Mantidfly, Western Mantidfly, Brown Mantidfly, Brown Wasp Mantidfly
Climaciella brunnea is a predatory mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, notable for its striking mimicry of paper wasps in the genus Polistes. Adults possess raptorial forelegs convergently evolved with mantises, used to capture small insect prey. The species exhibits regional color polymorphism, matching locally abundant Polistes species. Its life cycle involves a highly specialized parasitic relationship with wolf spiders (Lycosidae): first-instar larvae use phoretic behavior to board spiders, transfer between sexes during mating if necessary, and ultimately enter spider egg sacs to feed on the eggs. The species is widely distributed across North America from southern Canada to Nicaragua, with adults most commonly observed from May through October, peaking in June through August.
Clistopyga
Clistopyga is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Pimplinae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1829. The genus contains approximately 50 described species, with the majority distributed in the Neotropical region. Species are characterized by specialized adaptations for parasitizing spiders, including modified ovipositors used for clinging to hosts and felting spider silk to seal nest openings. Several species groups have been established within the genus based on morphological and distributional patterns.
Clivinematini
Clivinematini is a tribe of ichneumon wasps within the subfamily Tryphoninae. Members of this tribe are parasitoid wasps that target sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) as hosts. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological features of the ovipositor and associated structures that distinguish it from related tryphonine tribes. Clivinematini represents a relatively small and specialized lineage within the diverse Ichneumonidae.
Closterocerus
Closterocerus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae (Hymenoptera). Species within this genus are predominantly larval parasitoids of various insect hosts, including leafmining Lepidoptera, Chrysomelidae beetles, and gall-forming Eulophidae. Several species have been documented as effective biological control agents, particularly against invasive pests. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in host associations and geographic distribution across multiple continents.
Closterocerus damastes
Closterocerus damastes is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1847. It belongs to the subfamily Entedoninae, a group of small parasitoid wasps. The genus Closterocerus includes species that are primarily parasitoids of other insects. Distribution records indicate presence in Canada, specifically Ontario.
Closterocerus utahensis
Closterocerus utahensis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Crawford in 1912. The species epithet "utahensis" suggests a type locality or association with Utah, though published distribution records indicate occurrence across multiple U.S. states including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Maryland. As a member of the genus Closterocerus, it belongs to a group of small chalcid wasps that are typically parasitoids of other insects, particularly gall-forming or leaf-mining insects. The species is documented in museum collections including the UCR Entomology Research Museum.
Coccobius
Coccobius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, specialized as parasitoids of armored scale insects (Diaspididae). Species in this genus have been widely used as biological control agents against economically important scale pests on crops including citrus and pine. The genus exhibits weak dispersal ability, with documented dispersal rates of approximately 200 meters per year. Multiple species have been intentionally introduced across Asia, North America, and other regions for classical biological control programs.
Coccobius fulvus
Coccobius fulvus is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Aphelinidae, first described by Compere and Annecke in 1961. It belongs to a genus of chalcidoid wasps that are primarily parasitoids of scale insects (Coccoidea). The species has been recorded from France, Japan, and the conterminous United States. Like other members of Aphelinidae, it likely plays a role in biological control of pest scale insects.
Coccophagus
Coccophagus is a large genus of chalcid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, established by Westwood in 1833. Members are parasitoids primarily associated with scale insects (Coccoidea), playing significant roles in biological control programs. The genus is taxonomically well-established within the subfamily Coccophaginae and tribe Coccophagini. Species in this genus have been documented from multiple continents including North America, Asia, and South America.
Coccophagus lycimnia
Coccophagus lycimnia is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Aphelinidae, widely used as a biological control agent against soft scale insects (Coccidae: Hemiptera). The species exhibits host-size dependent oviposition behavior, preferentially parasitizing second-instar scale insects while avoiding larger hosts due to defensive reactions. It has been documented attacking multiple economically important scale pests including Coccus hesperidum (brown soft scale), Parthenolecanium spp., Sphaerolecanium prunastri, and Parasaissetia nigra, with particular significance in citrus and agricultural systems.
Coelichneumon azotus
Coelichneumon azotus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, which comprises parasitoid wasps that develop by feeding on other arthropods, usually insects or spiders. The genus Coelichneumon is part of the subfamily Ichneumoninae, a diverse group whose members are often characterized by their slender bodies and elongated ovipositors. As with most ichneumonids, the species is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host records for C. azotus remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded across multiple observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists in North America.
Coelichneumon orpheus
Coelichneumon orpheus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to a large family of parasitoid wasps that are ecologically important as natural enemies of other insects. The genus Coelichneumon is part of the diverse ichneumonid fauna of North America.
Coelichneumon pulcher
Coelichneumon pulcher is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was first described by Brulle in 1846. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp. It has been recorded in limited observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is either uncommon or underreported.
Coelichneumon viola
Coelichneumon viola is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a group of parasitoid wasps characterized by slender bodies and long antennae. The genus Coelichneumon is part of the diverse ichneumonid radiation, with species distributed across North America. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Coelichneumon vitalis
Coelichneumon vitalis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was described by Cresson in 1877. As a member of this large parasitoid wasp family, it is presumed to parasitize other insects, though specific host records are limited. The genus Coelichneumon contains multiple species primarily distributed in North America.
Coelinius
Coelinius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Nees in 1818. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids, meaning they develop inside living hosts without immediately killing them. The genus is part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna and contributes to biological control of host populations. Records indicate presence in northern European regions.
Coleocentrus
Coleocentrus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Gravenhorst in 1829. The genus contains multiple described species distributed across northern Europe and North America. As ichneumonid wasps, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented in published literature.
Coleocentrus occidentalis occidentalis
Coleocentrus occidentalis occidentalis is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Coleocentrus. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, and C. occidentalis as a species has been documented as a parasitoid of wood-boring beetle larvae. The subspecies designation indicates geographic differentiation within the western North American range of the species. Like other ichneumonids, this wasp likely possesses a long ovipositor adapted for reaching hosts concealed in wood.
Collyria
Collyria is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Collyriinae. Species within this genus are specialized parasitoids of stem sawflies (Cephidae), particularly those infesting cereal crops such as wheat. The genus includes species that have been investigated and employed as biological control agents against wheat stem sawfly pests in North America and Europe. Members exhibit phenological synchrony with their hosts, with adults typically emerging earlier than host sawflies, and demonstrate complex host discrimination behaviors including variable superparasitism rates.
Collyria coxator
Collyria coxator is an ichneumonid wasp that acts as a specialized parasitoid of stem sawflies (Cephidae). It has been studied as a biological control agent for the common stem sawfly Cephus pygmaeus, a pest of winter cereals. Its effectiveness as a population regulator varies with summer weather conditions.
Collyriinae
Collyriinae is a subfamily of ichneumonid wasps (Ichneumonidae, Hymenoptera) known primarily as parasitoids of stem-sawflies (Cephidae). The subfamily includes genera such as Collyria and Bicurta. Species within this group have been documented as parasitoids of economically important stem-boring sawflies, with potential applications in biological control. Host records indicate specialization on Cephidae, though detailed biological information remains limited for many taxa.
Colobaea
snail-killing flies
Colobaea is a genus of 15 valid species of snail-killing flies in the family Sciomyzidae. Larvae of all reared species kill and consume freshwater nonoperculate pulmonate snails, with varying degrees of specialization. The genus occurs in both Palearctic and Nearctic regions.
Colocistis castanea
Colocistis castanea is a species of wasp in the family Tiphiidae. The genus Colocistis belongs to a group of solitary wasps that are primarily parasitoids of scarab beetle larvae. Members of Tiphiidae are known for their specialized biology involving subterranean hosts, with females often possessing fossorial (digging) adaptations to access beetle grubs in soil. This species was described by Cresson in 1865.
Colocistis crassa
Colocistis crassa is a species of wasp in the family Tiphiidae, first described by Bradley in 1917. Members of this family are solitary wasps, many of which are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly scarab beetles. The genus Colocistis contains relatively small, obscure species with limited published biological information.
Colotrechninae
Colotrechninae is a subfamily of chalcidoid wasps within the family Pteromalidae, established by Thomson in 1876. Members are small parasitoid wasps, part of the diverse Chalcidoidea superfamily that contains numerous species associated with other insects as hosts. The subfamily is relatively poorly documented in public literature compared to other pteromalid groups.
Colotrechnus
Colotrechnus is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, established by Thomson in 1878. It belongs to the subfamily Colotrechninae and tribe Colotrechnini. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across Europe and North America. Members are parasitoid wasps, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented.
Colpa octomaculata hermione
Colpa octomaculata hermione is a subspecies of scoliid wasp, a group commonly known as mammoth wasps. The parent species Colpa octomaculata is native to North America. Scoliid wasps are large-bodied parasitoids whose larvae develop on scarabaeid beetle grubs. Recent phylogenetic research indicates the genus Colpa is sister to the tribe Scoliini, which renders the tribe Campsomerini non-monophyletic. This subspecies represents part of a taxonomic group that has historically lacked modern systematic treatment.
Colpa octomaculata octomaculata
Colpa octomaculata octomaculata is a subspecies of mammoth wasp in the family Scoliidae. Based on phylogenetic studies of the genus Colpa, this subspecies belongs to a lineage that is sister to the Scoliini tribe, rendering the traditional Campsomerini tribe non-monophyletic. The genus Colpa as a whole has been found to be non-monophyletic in molecular analyses, indicating that taxonomic revision is needed. This subspecies is part of a group of large-bodied parasitoid wasps whose larvae develop as parasitoids of scarabaeid beetle grubs.
Colpa octomaculata texensis
Colpa octomaculata texensis is a subspecies of mammoth wasp in the family Scoliidae, first described by Saussure in 1858. It belongs to a group of large-bodied parasitoid wasps whose larvae develop on scarabaeid beetle grubs. Recent phylogenetic research using ultraconserved element (UCE) data has clarified the evolutionary position of the genus Colpa, finding it to be sister to the tribe Scoliini and rendering the traditional tribe Campsomerini non-monophyletic. This subspecies represents part of a taxonomic complex that has historically been poorly resolved due to limited systematic study.
Colpognathus
Colpognathus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Wesmael in 1845. Members are found in Europe and North America, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The genus includes at least two described species: C. annulicornis and C. capitatus. As ichneumonid wasps, they are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Colpognathus helvus
Colpognathus helvus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was described by Cresson in 1867. The genus Colpognathus contains relatively small, slender ichneumonids. Available records are limited, with approximately 40 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Colpotrochia
Colpotrochia is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Metopiinae, containing at least 61 described species. These small wasps, averaging 6–10 mm in body length, are larval-pupal endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera. Females use a short ovipositor to lay eggs in caterpillars, with wasps emerging from the host pupa rather than the adult moth. The genus has been recorded from North America, Brazil, and Europe.
Colpotrochia fultoni
Colpotrochia fultoni is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Metopiinae, first described by Townes & Townes in 1959. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid that develops inside caterpillar hosts. The species is part of a North American genus with four recognized species, all restricted to the eastern United States ranging from the Atlantic coast to just west of the Mississippi River.
Colpotrochia texana
Colpotrochia texana is a small ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Metopiinae, first described by Cresson in 1872. It is one of four North American species in the genus Colpotrochia, which are koinobiont parasitoids of caterpillars. The species is known from Brazil (Santa Catarina and São Paulo states) based on distribution records, though the genus as a whole ranges from the Atlantic coast of North America to just west of the Mississippi River.
Colpotrochia trifasciata
A small ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Metopiinae, averaging 6-10 millimeters in body length. Females possess a very short ovipositor used to lay eggs in caterpillars, particularly leafrollers in the family Tortricidae. The wasp larva develops inside the host, consuming it without disrupting the caterpillar's life cycle until after it pupates; an adult wasp emerges from the host pupa rather than a moth. One of two Colpotrochia species recorded in Massachusetts, with a range extending from the Atlantic coast to barely west of the Mississippi River.
Comperiella
Comperiella is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing approximately 10 species. Species in this genus are internal parasitoids of armored scale insects (Diaspididae), with documented hosts including Aonidiella aurantii, A. citrina, A. orientalis, Aspidiotus rigidus, and Chrysomphalus ficus. Several species have been employed or studied as biological control agents against agricultural pests, particularly in citrus and coconut production systems. The genus was established by Howard in 1906.
Comperiella bifasciata
Comperiella bifasciata is a tiny parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae used extensively in biological control of armored scale insects on citrus. Two distinct biological races exist: a Japanese type that parasitizes yellow scale (Aonidiella citrina) and a Chinese type that parasitizes California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii). Despite being morphologically identical and capable of hybridizing in laboratory conditions, these races maintain separate identities in the field through natural selection against less fit hybrids. The species was first introduced to California in 1908 from Japan, but failed to establish on red scale due to a misidentification of its original host; successful establishment on red scale occurred only after subsequent introductions from China between 1947 and 1949.
Compsilura
Compsilura is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Bouché in 1834. The genus includes several species, with Compsilura concinnata being the most extensively studied due to its historical use as a biological control agent. Species in this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae and have been introduced to multiple continents for pest management. The genus has been implicated in unintended ecological impacts, particularly C. concinnata's role in declines of native silk moth populations in North America.
Compsilura concinnata
European Tachinid Fly
Compsilura concinnata is a polyphagous tachinid fly native to Europe that was introduced to North America in 1906 as a biological control agent for the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar). It is an endoparasitoid of insect larvae, developing within the host midgut and eventually killing it. The species attacks over 200 host species across Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera, but has proven ineffective against its intended target while causing significant non-target impacts on native Lepidoptera, including giant silk moths and monarch butterflies.
Compsobracon
Compsobracon is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps. One species, C. mirabilis, has been observed parasitizing wood-boring Lepidoptera larvae by inserting its ovipositor directly through woody branches to reach hosts concealed inside. The genus belongs to the diverse family Braconidae, which contains thousands of parasitoid species attacking various insect hosts.
Compsobraconoides
Compsobraconoides is a genus of braconid wasps described by Quicke in 1989. The genus belongs to the family Braconidae, a large group of parasitoid wasps that primarily develop in or on other insects. As a recently described genus, published information on its biology and species composition remains limited. The genus was erected based on morphological characters that distinguish it from related genera, particularly Compsobracon.
Compsocryptus resolutus
Compsocryptus resolutus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps that target lepidopteran hosts. The species was described by Cresson in 1879. Very few observations exist, with records limited to specific locations in western Canada.
Compsocryptus texensis
Compsocryptus texensis is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Townes in 1962. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a group of parasitoid wasps characterized by their slender bodies and long antennae. The species name suggests a connection to Texas, likely reflecting its type locality or primary distribution. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented in available sources.