Parasitoid
Guides
Gasteruption kaweahense
Gasteruption kaweahense is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Gasteruptiidae, commonly known as carrot wasps. Like congeners, it possesses the family's distinctive enlarged hind tibiae and elongated neck. The species is known from limited observations. As with other gasteruptiids, females likely parasitize larvae of solitary bees by depositing eggs into host nests using a long ovipositor.
Gasteruption kirbii
Gasteruption kirbii is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Gasteruptiidae, commonly known as "carrot wasps." Members of this genus are characterized by an elongated neck between the head and thorax, a high abdominal attachment point, and notably enlarged hind tibiae. The species is one of at least fifteen Gasteruption species in North America, with five occurring in the eastern United States and Canada. Like other gasteruptiids, it is presumed to parasitize larvae of solitary bees nesting in twigs or wood borings.
Gasteruption tarsatorium
Carrot Wasp
Gasteruption tarsatorium is a species of carrot wasp in the family Gasteruptiidae. It is characterized by an extremely slender body, elongated neck, and enlarged hind tibiae that function in flight dynamics and vibrational sensing. The species is a parasitoid of solitary bees and wasps that nest in twigs or wood borings. Females possess a long ovipositor to access host nests.
Gasteruption visaliae
Carrot Wasp
Gasteruption visaliae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Gasteruptiidae, commonly known as carrot wasps. The species exhibits the distinctive family traits of an elongated neck, slender body, and enlarged hind tibiae. Like other gasteruptiids, it is presumed to parasitize solitary bees and wasps nesting in twigs or wood borings, though specific host records for this species remain limited. Females possess a long ovipositor for accessing host nests.
Gelis
Gelis is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, containing at least 270 described species. The genus is characterized by small, often wingless females that are parasitoids of various arthropod hosts. Some species have been documented attacking spiders, including ant-eating spiders in the genus Zodarion. The genus shows considerable diversity in form and life history across its species.
Geminaria pellucida
Geminaria pellucida is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Lordotinae. Described by Coquillett in 1894, this species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features typical of the bee fly lineage. Bee flies are known for their parasitoid larval development, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Genea aurea
Genea aurea is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by James in 1947. It is known from North America, with confirmed records from the United States. As a member of Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Genea brevirostris
Genea brevirostris is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by James in 1947. The species is known from the United States and represents one of the less documented members of the genus Genea. As a tachinid fly, it likely functions as a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain unverified. The specific epithet 'brevirostris' refers to a short rostrum or proboscis.
Genea pavonacea
Genea pavonacea is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Reinhard in 1939. It is found in North America. As a tachinid fly, it likely functions as a parasitoid, though specific host relationships have not been documented in the provided sources. The genus Genea is part of the diverse Tachinidae family, which contains numerous species of ecological importance as natural enemies of other insects.
Genea texensis
Genea texensis is a species of bristle fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) native to North America. Originally described as Dejeaniopalpus texensis by Townsend in 1916, it was later transferred to the genus Genea. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species is documented from 21 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not commonly encountered.
Geron
Geron is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae, established by Meigen in 1820. These small to minute flies are characterized by their slender bodies, reduced wing venation, and often distinctive facial markings. Members of this genus are parasitoids, with larvae developing in the egg sacs of spiders. The genus is placed in the subfamily Toxophorinae and tribe Gerontini. Geron species are found across multiple continents including North America and Europe.
Ginglymia
Ginglymia is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Leskiini, established by Townsend in 1892. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. As a member of the Tachinidae family, species in this genus are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in available literature.
Glyphicnemis
Glyphicnemis is a small genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, with 13 described species. The genus occurs in the Holarctic and Indo-Malaysian regions. Members are parasitoids, meaning they develop by feeding on or within host organisms.
Glyphicnemis mandibularis
Glyphicnemis mandibularis is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was first described by Cresson in 1864. The genus Glyphicnemis belongs to the large and diverse parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae, which are primarily known for their role as parasitoids of other insects. Available records indicate this species has been observed in the Edmonton area of Canada, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Glyphogaster
Glyphogaster is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described in 1951. As members of the Braconidae, these wasps are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is rarely encountered in collections and has received limited taxonomic study.
Glyphomerinae
Glyphomerinae is a subfamily of chalcidoid wasps within Torymidae, established in 2018 based on molecular phylogenetic studies. The group represents a distinct lineage within torymid wasps, separated from other subfamilies due to genetic and morphological evidence. It contains relatively few described species compared to other torymine groups. Members are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Glyphomerus
Glyphomerus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Torymidae, subfamily Glyphomerinae. Species are parasitoids of gall-forming insects, particularly cynipid wasps. At least one species, G. stigma, exhibits entomophytophagy, consuming gall tissue after feeding on host larvae. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, with documented associations with rose gall wasps in the genus Diplolepis.
Glypta
Glypta is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. Species are endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, particularly tortricid moths including spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) and related forest pests. Several species have been studied for their role in biological control of economically important forest insects. Adult females locate host larvae using chemical cues and oviposit eggs internally; parasitoid larvae develop within the host and kill it upon emergence.
Glypta animosa
Glypta animosa is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Cresson in 1870. The genus Glypta comprises parasitoid wasps that develop inside the bodies of host insects, with larvae consuming their hosts from within. Like other members of Ichneumonidae, this species likely targets lepidopteran larvae as hosts. The species is rarely documented, with only four observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Glypta fumiferanae
Glypta fumiferanae is an ichneumonid wasp that parasitizes spruce budworm larvae (Choristoneura fumiferana and C. occidentalis). As an endoparasitoid, females deposit eggs inside host larvae, and developing wasp offspring consume the host from within. This species is a significant natural enemy of spruce budworm, a major defoliator of coniferous forests in North America. Adult females are synovigenic and require carbohydrate feeding (honey) for extended longevity and high fecundity; unfed adults survive only 2–5 days and produce far fewer eggs.
Glypta ralla
Glypta ralla is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Dasch in 1988. Members of the genus Glypta are known as parasitoid wasps that attack caterpillars, with females laying eggs inside host larvae. The species belongs to a large group of parasitoids whose immature stages develop by consuming their host from the inside, ultimately killing it. Very few specific details have been published about this particular species.
Glyptapanteles
Glyptapanteles is a genus of koinobiont endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, distributed across all continents except Antarctica. Species in this genus are distinguished by their ability to manipulate host behavior: after larval emergence from caterpillar hosts, the paralyzed host remains near the pupal cocoons and defends them against predators through violent thrashing movements. This behavioral manipulation is mediated by one or two larvae that remain within the host and sacrifice their own development to protect their siblings. Several species have been evaluated for biological control of lepidopteran pests, particularly Lymantria dispar.
Gnadochaeta metallica
Gnadochaeta metallica is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, a group of parasitoid flies that play important roles in regulating insect populations. The species was originally described by Townsend in 1891 under the name Phasioclista metallica. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As with other tachinid flies, it likely develops as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Gnamptodon
Gnamptodon is a genus of small braconid wasps in the subfamily Telengaiinae. Members are minute parasitoids, with body lengths around 1.3 mm and fore wing lengths of approximately 1.5 mm. The genus has been documented from both Palearctic and Neotropical regions, with recent descriptions extending its known distribution to Brazil. Species are distinguished by subtle morphological differences in tergite sculpture, such as striated versus smooth second tergites.
Gnamptopelta
Gnamptopelta is a monotypic genus of ichneumonid wasps containing the single species G. obsidianator. The genus is distinguished by a uniquely concave clypeus, reflected in its etymology from Greek roots meaning 'bent shield.' These are large, predominantly black wasps found across eastern North America, where they function as specialist parasitoids of sphinx moth caterpillars feeding on grapevines.
Gnamptopelta obsidianator
bent-shielded besieger wasp
Gnamptopelta obsidianator is a large ichneumonid wasp and the sole species in its monotypic genus. It is distinguished by a concave clypeus, a trait reflected in its genus name derived from Greek words for 'bent' and 'shield.' The species is an ectoparasitoid of sphinx moth caterpillars (Macroglossinae) feeding on grapevines. Adults are active in spring across eastern North America.
Gonatocerini
Gonatocerini is a tribe of minute egg parasitoids within Mymaridae (Hymenoptera). Members are idiobiont parasitoids of insect eggs, with several species employed in biological control programs against leafhopper pests (Cicadellidae: Proconiini). The tribe currently comprises 14 recognized genera. A survey in tobacco crops of central Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, documented 698 individuals across 21 species in four genera: Gonatocerus (most abundant), Cosmocomoidea, Lymaenon, and Tanyxiphium.
Gonatopodinae
pincer wasps
Gonatopodinae is a subfamily of dryinid wasps comprising 17 genera, including the diverse genus Gonatopus. Females are wingless and ant-like in appearance, while males possess wings. A defining feature of females is the presence of a chela (pincer-like structure) on each foreleg, used to capture hosts. All known species are parasitoids of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae).
Gonatopus
hump-backed pincer wasps
Gonatopus is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Dryinidae, commonly known as hump-backed pincer wasps. Females are wingless and possess enlarged, scissor-like foretarsi used to capture leafhopper hosts. The genus comprises ectoparasitoid species that develop on Auchenorrhyncha, primarily leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) and planthoppers (Delphacidae). Multiple species have been documented as biological control agents of agricultural pests, particularly rice plant hoppers in Asia and the glassy-winged sharpshooter in the Americas.
Goneatara nasutus
Goneatara nasutus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae. The species was described by Heinrich in 1962 based on three female specimens from southern Arizona. It is characterized by an unusual clypeus with a median swelling that becomes bipartite below, branching toward the apical margin—this distinctive feature inspired the specific epithet "nasutus" (meaning "large-nosed"). Females are amblypygous, possessing a very short ovipositor and broad subgenital plate, an adaptation for ovipositing into mature larvae or prepupae of Lepidoptera rather than pupae.
Gonia
Cutworm Flies
Gonia is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Meigen in 1803. These flies are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside other insects. The genus is placed in the subfamily Exoristinae and tribe Goniini. As with other tachinids, Gonia species are likely important biological control agents of various insect pests, though specific ecological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in available sources.
Gonia brevipulvilli
Gonia brevipulvilli is a species of tachinid fly described by Tothill in 1924. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop within other insects. The specific epithet "brevipulvilli" refers to short pulvilli (lobed structures on the pretarsus of the leg). The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Gonia frontosa
Gonia frontosa is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1829 and is found in North America. As a tachinid fly, it is a parasitoid, with larvae developing inside other insects. The species belongs to the tribe Goniini within the subfamily Exoristinae.
Gonia sagax
Gonia sagax is a species of tachinid fly described by Townsend in 1892. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented in the available literature. The species is known to occur in the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. Like other tachinids, adults likely visit flowers for nectar, but detailed behavioral and ecological studies specific to G. sagax are lacking.
Goniini
Goniini is a tribe of tachinid flies distinguished by their unique reproductive strategy. Members are parasitoids that deposit minute "microtype" eggs, which must be ingested by a host to hatch. This egg type represents a key evolutionary adaptation within the Tachinidae family.
Goniocera
Goniocera is a genus of tachinid flies established by Brauer and Bergenstamm in 1891. It belongs to the tribe Siphonini within the subfamily Tachininae. The genus contains five described species distributed across northern Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other tachinids, members of this genus are parasitoid flies, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented.
Goniozus asperulus
Goniozus asperulus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae. Members of this genus are known to parasitize larvae of Lepidoptera, particularly pyralid moths that are agricultural pests. The species is characterized by specific morphological features including surface sculpturing on the mesosoma. It has been recorded in association with stored product pest scenarios.
Goniozus columbianus
Goniozus columbianus is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Bethylidae. Like other members of this family, it is presumed to be an ectoparasitoid of insect larvae, though specific host records for this species are not well documented. The genus Goniozus contains species that are known to attack lepidopteran caterpillars. This species has been recorded from at least one observation.
Goniozus legneri
Goniozus legneri is a gregarious larval ectoparasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae, native to Argentina. It parasitizes concealed-feeding lepidopteran larvae and has been evaluated as a biological control agent for multiple agricultural pests including the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), codling moth (Cydia pomonella), tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), and cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum). The species exhibits parental care behavior, with females guarding their brood for approximately four days. While it has shown promise in augmentative biological control programs, its effectiveness varies considerably depending on host species and rearing conditions.
Graphogastrini
Graphogastrini is a tribe of tachinid flies within the subfamily Tachininae. The tribe comprises 16 recognized genera distributed across multiple continents. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most genera. The genus Phytomyptera, established in 1845, is among the oldest described within the tribe.
Gravenhorstiini
Gravenhorstiini is a large tribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Anomaloninae. The tribe encompasses all genera of Anomaloninae except the type genus Anomalon. Members are parasitoids, with females laying eggs in or on host insects. The tribe is taxonomically significant as it represents the primary diversification of the subfamily Anomaloninae.
Gronotoma
Gronotoma is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Figitidae (subfamily Eucoilinae). Species within this genus are primarily known as parasitoids of leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae), with documented hosts including Liriomyza trifolii, L. huidobrensis, L. sativae, L. bryoniae, Melanagromyza tomaterae, and Japanagromyza tokunagai. Several species, particularly G. micromorpha, have been extensively studied for their potential as biological control agents in agricultural systems. The genus exhibits thelytokous parthenogenesis in at least some species and shows flexibility in host stage utilization.
Grotea
Grotea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Labeninae. Species in this genus are specialized parasitoids of cavity-nesting bees, particularly in the families Colletidae and Apidae. The genus has been documented across the Americas from the Greater Antilles to southern South America, with recent descriptions of new species from Colombia, Argentina, and Ecuador. Grotea species develop inside host brood cells, with larvae occupying one or more neighboring cells within membranous cocoons.
Gryllus rubens
Southeastern field cricket
Gryllus rubens, the southeastern field cricket, is a trilling field cricket native to the southeastern United States. It is a cryptic sister species to G. texensis, from which it originated via peripatric speciation. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity in its communication system, with male calling songs and female preferences shifting reversibly between spring and fall generations in response to temperature. Wing polymorphism is environmentally and genetically influenced, with long-winged morphs appearing in spring/summer and short-winged morphs predominating in autumn/winter.
Gymnocheta
Gymnocheta is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 12 described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. The genus is distinguished by metallic green coloration in some species, a trait shared with only one other European tachinid genus. Members are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with larvae developing inside host caterpillars. The genome of G. viridis was sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Gymnocheta ruficornis
Gymnocheta ruficornis is a species of tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) described by Williston in 1886. The species epithet 'ruficornis' refers to reddish antennae. It belongs to the tribe Ernestiini within the subfamily Tachininae. Records indicate presence in North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Gymnoclytia
Gymnoclytia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Phasiini. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), with documented associations with stink bugs in agricultural systems. The genus contains approximately 14 described species distributed in the Americas.
Gymnoclytia dubia
Gymnoclytia dubia is a North American tachinid fly species first described by West in 1925. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species has been documented parasitizing the true bug Cosmopepla bimaculata.
Gymnoclytia immaculata
Gymnoclytia immaculata is a North American tachinid fly species in the family Tachinidae. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop within host insects rather than feeding independently. The species has been recorded from hosts in both Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, specifically the armyworm moth Pseudaletia unipuncta and the stink bug Euschistus variolarius. It occurs across a broad geographic range from British Columbia to Quebec in Canada, throughout the United States, and south into Mexico.
Gymnoclytia occidentalis
Gymnoclytia occidentalis is a North American tachinid fly described by Townsend in 1908. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species occurs in western North America from British Columbia to New Mexico.