Parasitoid
Guides
Conocalama
Conocalama is a genus of ichneumonid wasps established by Hopper in 1939. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The genus is poorly documented in published literature, with minimal species-level information available. Records in biodiversity databases indicate it is rarely encountered or reported.
Conocalama canadensis
Conocalama canadensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Provancher in 1877. The genus Conocalama is part of the large and diverse ichneumonid wasp fauna, which are primarily parasitoids of other insects. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Conophorini
bee flies
Conophorini is a tribe of bee flies within the family Bombyliidae, established by Becker in 1913. The tribe comprises at least 30 described species distributed across four genera: Aldrichia, Conophorina, Conophorus, and Sparnopolius. Members of this tribe are parasitoid flies whose larvae develop in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. Conophorini species are found primarily in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
Conophorus
bee flies
Conophorus is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) containing at least 67 described species worldwide, with 16 species recorded from the United States. These dipterans are parasitoids, with larvae developing in the nests of other insects. The genus is taxonomically established under Meigen, 1803, and is classified within the tribe Conophorini.
Conophorus sackenii
Conophorus sackenii is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Johnson & Maughan in 1953. It belongs to the tribe Conophorini within the subfamily Bombyliinae. The species is known from western North America, with records from western Canada and the western United States.
Conopidae
Thick-headed Flies
Conopidae, commonly known as thick-headed flies, is a family of flies within the Brachycera suborder of Diptera and the sole member of the superfamily Conopoidea. The family comprises approximately 800 species in 47 genera worldwide, with about 70 species found in North America. Adult conopids are frequent flower visitors, feeding on nectar with their often elongated proboscis. The larvae of all conopids are internal parasitoids, primarily of aculeate Hymenoptera (stinging wasps and bees), with adult females aggressively intercepting hosts in flight to deposit eggs.
Conopinae
thick-headed flies
Conopinae is a subfamily of flies within the family Conopidae, commonly known as thick-headed flies. Members are characterized by their distinctive head shape, with a broad, inflated frons that gives the group its common name. The subfamily includes two tribes: Conopini (genera Conops and Leopoldius) and Physocephalini (genera Physocephala and Physoconops). These flies are known for their parasitoid life history, with females attacking various hymenopteran hosts.
Conostigmus
Conostigmus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Ceraphronoidea and family Megaspilidae. It is the second-largest genus in Megaspilidae with over 170 extant species. The genus has a worldwide distribution, with greatest diversity in the Palearctic region. Sexual dimorphism is common in the genus, requiring molecular methods (28S rDNA) to associate males and females of the same species.
Conura
Conura is a large genus of chalcidid wasps comprising over 300 described species, with approximately 295 species occurring in the New World. The genus is divided into three subgenera and 63 species groups based on morphological patterns. Species exhibit diverse life history strategies including primary parasitism of lepidopteran pupae and hyperparasitism through other parasitoid wasps.
Conura igneoides
Conura igneoides is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It is a small parasitoid wasp, part of a genus known for attacking lepidopteran pupae. The species was described by William Kirby in 1883. Like other members of Chalcididae, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The specific epithet "igneoides" suggests a resemblance to fire or flame in coloration.
Conura lasnierii
Conura lasnierii is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcididae, first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1844. The genus Conura comprises parasitoid wasps, and members of this genus are known to attack pupae of Lepidoptera. This species has been documented from a limited number of observations, with records primarily from the Neotropical region.
Conura odontotae
Conura side
Conura side is a species of chalcidid wasp first described by Walker in 1843. It is a hyperparasitoid that parasitizes Diadegma insulare, a parasitoid wasp that attacks diamondback moth larvae. The species belongs to the family Chalcididae, a group of small parasitoid wasps characterized by enlarged hind femora. Distribution records indicate presence across multiple Canadian provinces.
Copecrypta ruficauda
bristle fly
Copecrypta ruficauda is a species of tachinid fly described by Frederik Maurits van der Wulp in 1867. As a member of Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop within other insects. The species is known from the United States and Mexico. Limited observational data exists, with 55 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is encountered infrequently.
Copidosoma
copidosoma wasp
Copidosoma is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, comprising over 200 species of polyembryonic parasitoids. These wasps deposit one or two eggs into host Lepidoptera eggs, which then proliferate into thousands of genetically identical embryos. A unique caste system produces two larval morphs: sterile soldiers that defend the host from competitors and reproductive larvae that consume the host and emerge as adults. The genus has been extensively studied for its extreme clonal reproduction and is widely used in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
Copidosoma floridanum
Copidosoma floridanum is a polyembryonic parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, notable for producing the largest recorded brood of any parasitoidal insect—up to 3,055 individuals from a single egg. Females oviposit into the eggs of plusiine moths, and the resulting embryos undergo clonal division to form genetically identical siblings. The brood develops into two distinct castes: reproductive larvae that emerge as adult wasps, and sterile soldier larvae that defend their siblings from competitors.
Copidosoma lymani
Copidosoma lymani is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Howard in 1907. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a polyembryonic parasitoid that develops within lepidopteran hosts. The species is known from Canada, specifically Ontario. Very little species-specific biological information has been published.
Copidosoma pyralidis
Copidosoma pyralidis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ashmead in 1888. Like other members of its genus, it is an endoparasitoid that develops inside host insects. The species is documented from the eastern United States and Canada.
Coptera
Coptera is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Diapriidae. Females are known to search for and attack puparia of fruit flies (family Tephritidae). The genus has been documented on multiple continents and is recognized for its potential as a biological control agent against pest fruit flies. Several species have been described, with some showing strict host specificity.
Coptodisca
Coptodisca is a genus of small moths in the family Heliozelidae, established by Walsingham in 1895. Species are leafminers whose larvae feed internally on leaves of woody plants, creating distinctive blotch mines. Several species have become invasive pests in Europe, particularly C. lucifluella and C. juglandiella on walnut (Juglans) and related trees. The genus is native to the Nearctic region with approximately 20 described species.
Cosmoconus
Cosmoconus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Förster in 1869. The genus contains at least two described species: Cosmoconus ceratophorus and Cosmoconus elongator. These wasps are found in Europe and North America. As ichneumonids, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Cotesia
Cotesia is a genus of braconid wasps widely recognized for their role as parasitoids of caterpillars. Female wasps use an ovipositor to deposit eggs inside host caterpillars, and simultaneously inject polydnaviruses that suppress the host's immune system. Developing wasp larvae feed on host tissues, then emerge through the skin and spin white silk cocoons on the exterior of the caterpillar. Several species are employed in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
Cotesia congregata
Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia congregata is a gregarious endoparasitoid wasp and a model organism in insect physiology research. Females oviposit eggs into caterpillar hosts, primarily tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) and tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata), simultaneously injecting a symbiotic polydnavirus (CcBV) and venom. The virus suppresses host immune defenses and disrupts development, allowing wasp larvae to complete their growth inside the living host. Mature larvae emerge through the host cuticle and spin white silk cocoons on the exterior surface. The wasp exhibits post-emergence learning of host plant cues, with a critical learning window of 0–4 hours after adult emergence.
Cotesia electrae
Cotesia electrae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae. It belongs to a genus well-known for biological control of caterpillar pests. The species was described by Viereck in 1912 and is present in North America and Middle America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Cotesia empretiae
Saddleback Caterpillar Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia empretiae is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae that specializes in attacking caterpillars, particularly the saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea). Females hunt actively on foliage, using their ovipositor to deposit eggs inside host caterpillars. The wasp larvae develop internally, eventually emerging through the host's skin to spin characteristic white silk cocoons on the exterior. Like other Cotesia species, this wasp transmits a polydnavirus during oviposition that suppresses the host's immune system, enabling successful parasitoid development.
Cotesia flaviconchae
Cotesia flaviconchae is a parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae. Like other members of the genus Cotesia, it is a koinobiont endoparasitoid that attacks caterpillars. The species was described by Riley in 1881 and is known from North America.
Cotesia glomerata
white butterfly parasite, Cabbage White Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia glomerata is a small gregarious parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae that specializes in attacking caterpillars of Pieris butterflies, particularly the large white (Pieris brassicae) and small white (Pieris rapae). Females deposit 16–52 eggs into a single host caterpillar, where the larvae develop internally for 15–20 days before emerging and spinning white silken cocoons in clusters on or near the host. The species exhibits complex behavioral adaptations including superparasitism, local mate competition with highly female-biased sex ratios, and protandry with males emerging before females. Originally described by Linnaeus in 1758, it has been widely introduced for biological control of cabbage pests and occurs across multiple continents.
Cotesia hemileucae
Cotesia hemileucae is a parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae that specializes in attacking caterpillars. It is a koinobiont endoparasitoid, meaning it develops inside a living host. The species is known to parasitize the saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea), a stinging limacodid caterpillar. Like other Cotesia species, it employs polydnaviruses to suppress the host immune system, enabling its larvae to develop successfully.
Cotesia theclae
Cotesia theclae is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae that parasitizes caterpillars of lycaenid butterflies. The species was described by Riley in 1881 and has been documented as a parasitoid of larval Lycaena xanthoides, representing a new host record reported in 2007. Like other members of the genus Cotesia, it is presumed to use polydnaviruses to suppress host immune systems, though this specific mechanism has not been directly confirmed for C. theclae.
Craneiobia tuba
Craneiobia tuba is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive cylindrical galls on dogwood leaves. The species is known from four host plants in the genus Cornus. Adults emerge in spring to lay eggs on unfolding leaves, with galls developing by summer. Larvae complete development in fall, then overwinter underground in cocoons.
Crassomicrodus
Crassomicrodus is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Agathidinae. The genus was established by Ashmead in 1900. The best-known species, C. fulvescens, has been recorded from the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Members of this genus are parasitoids, with one tentative host association reported for C. fulvescens.
Crassomicrodus clypealis
Crassomicrodus clypealis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described in 2011 by Figueroa, Sharkey and Romero. The genus Crassomicrodus belongs to a group of braconid wasps that are parasitoids of other insects. As a relatively recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Cratichneumon fossorius
Cratichneumon fossorius is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The species has been recorded from very few observations, suggesting it is either genuinely rare or undercollected. Like other ichneumonids, females likely possess an ovipositor for laying eggs in or on host organisms.
Cratichneumon pseudanisotae
Cratichneumon pseudanisotae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, one of the most diverse families of parasitoid wasps. The genus Cratichneumon comprises medium-sized ichneumonids characterized by robust body proportions and specific wing venation patterns. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only two documented occurrences in iNaturalist.
Cratichneumon sublatus
Cratichneumon sublatus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was described by Cresson in 1864 and belongs to the large genus Cratichneumon, which contains numerous parasitoid wasp species. The species has been documented through 172 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists. As a member of Ichneumonidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species remain poorly documented.
Cratichneumon tyloidifer
Cratichneumon tyloidifer is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The species is known from very few records, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist. As a member of the genus Cratichneumon, it likely exhibits the characteristic features of this group, including the presence of tyloids on the antennae—a trait referenced in the species epithet.
Cratichneumon viator acerbus
Cratichneumon viator acerbus is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was described by Cresson in 1867. As a member of the genus Cratichneumon, it belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps. Records indicate presence in parts of Europe and North America.
Cratichneumon vinnulus
Cratichneumon vinnulus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to a large genus of parasitoid wasps whose members are primarily known for attacking Lepidoptera larvae. Like other members of Cratichneumon, this species likely functions as a koinobiont parasitoid, allowing its host to continue developing after oviposition. The species has been documented in North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly recorded.
Cratomus
Cratomus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Dalman in 1820. Members of this genus are small chalcidoid wasps that develop as parasitoids of other insects. The genus is part of the diverse Pteromalinae subfamily, which contains numerous species associated with various host insects. Cratomus species are known from parts of Europe including Denmark and Sweden.
Cremastinae
Cremastinae is a worldwide subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae. Members are koinobiont endoparasitoids, primarily attacking concealed larvae of Lepidoptera. Several genera, including Pristomerus, have been used in biological control programs. The subfamily exhibits high diversity in tropical regions, with numerous undescribed species.
Cremastus
Cremastus is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Cremastinae. The genus was established by Gravenhorst in 1829 and contains multiple described species. Members are parasitoid wasps, with females possessing an ovipositor for host parasitization. Several species have been described from western North America by Dasch, including C. amoenus, C. aridus, C. atratus, C. planus, C. prolatus, and C. stenotus.
Cremnops
Pegasus wasps
Cremnops is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Agathidinae, commonly called 'Pegasus wasps' due to their distinctive elongated, horse-like head shape. These relatively large braconids (6–10 mm) are known parasitoids of caterpillars in the families Pyralidae and Crambidae. The genus occurs in terrestrial habitats worldwide, with documented species in North America, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. Thirty-three New World species have been revised, including five described in 2015.
Cremnops ashmeadi
Pegasus wasp
Cremnops ashmeadi is a species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, first described by Morrison in 1917. Like other members of the genus Cremnops, it is characterized by an elongated, equine-like head that superficially resembles the mythological winged horse Pegasus, leading to the common name 'Pegasus wasps' for this genus. Species of Cremnops are parasitoids of caterpillars, specifically targeting larvae in the families Pyralidae and Crambidae. The genus occurs in terrestrial habitats worldwide, with C. ashmeadi known from North America.
Cremnops comstocki
Pegasus wasp
Cremnops comstocki is a species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae. Like other members of the genus Cremnops, it is known to be a parasitoid of caterpillars in the families Pyralidae and Crambidae. The species was described by Morrison in 1917 and occurs in North America. Members of this genus are sometimes called 'Pegasus wasps' due to their distinctive elongated, horse-like head shape.
Cremnops crassifemur
Cremnops crassifemur is a braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, first described by Muesebeck in 1927. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp that attacks caterpillars. Species in this genus are relatively large compared to many other braconids and possess distinctive morphological features.
Cremnops desertor
Cremnops desertor is a braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, North America, and Southern Asia. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp with a distinctive elongated, equine-like head shape.
Cremnops haematodes
Cremnops haematodes is a species of braconid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, first described by Brullé in 1846. It was previously known under the synonym C. nigrosternum (Morrison, 1917) until a 2015 revision synonymized the two names. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp targeting caterpillars, particularly those in the families Pyralidae and Crambidae. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America.
Cremnoptini
Cremnoptini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Braconidae. Members are small to minute wasps that parasitize the larval stages of various insects. The tribe is relatively small and understudied compared to other braconid groups. Cremnoptini wasps are characterized by reduced wing venation and compact body forms.
Crocidosema aporema
bean shoot moth
Crocidosema aporema is a Neotropical tortricid moth and significant agricultural pest of legumes, particularly soybean, in the southern cone of South America. The species originated in Central America and has spread throughout South America, where it causes economic damage by larval feeding on vegetative plant parts, flowers, and developing seeds. Adults are nocturnal, with females exhibiting characteristic calling behavior during the scotophase to attract mates. The species is monoandrous and has been subject to increasing study due to its pest status and the need for integrated pest management strategies.
Crocinosoma
Crocinosoma is a genus of tachinid flies established by Reinhard in 1947. The genus belongs to the tribe Leskiini within the subfamily Tachininae. Two species have been described: C. cornuale and C. cornualis, both authored by Reinhard in the same year. As with other tachinid flies, members of this genus are presumably parasitoids, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.