Parasitoid
Guides
Gymnoclytia occidua
Gymnoclytia occidua is a North American tachinid fly species first described by Walker in 1849. As a member of the subfamily Phasiinae, it is a parasitoid whose larvae develop within host insects. The species has been documented from a broad geographic range spanning from Michigan and Nova Scotia southwest to Arizona, Mexico, and Georgia.
Gymnosoma
ladybird flies, bug-killer flies
Gymnosoma is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) commonly known as ladybird flies or bug-killer flies. Species are small parasitoids, typically 5–6 mm, with distinctive rounded abdomens often colored red or orange with dark markings, resembling lady beetles. Larvae develop as internal parasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), particularly shieldbugs (Pentatomidae). The genus has been taxonomically challenging; genomic analysis suggests many Palearctic species may represent a single highly variable species rather than distinct taxa. Adults visit flowers for nectar.
Gymnosoma canadense
Gymnosoma canadense is a Nearctic tachinid fly described by Brooks in 1946. It belongs to a genus characterized by compact, rounded abdomens that resemble lady beetles. Like other members of Gymnosoma, its larvae are parasitoids of stink bugs (Pentatomidae). The species occurs in Canada and the United States, though detailed biological records remain limited.
Gymnosomatini
Gymnosomatini is a tribe of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) comprising more than 30 genera and approximately 200 described species. These bristle flies are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside other insects. The tribe is taxonomically positioned within the subfamily Tachininae.
Gyranusoidea
Gyranusoidea is a genus of encyrtid parasitoid wasps established by Compere in 1947. The genus contains species that are primary parasitoids of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with several species deployed as biological control agents for agricultural pest management. Gyranusoidea tebygi is the most extensively studied species, introduced from India to West Africa in 1987 to control the invasive mango mealybug Rastrococcus invadens, where it established readily and achieved significant pest suppression. Other species such as G. indica have been reported as parasitoids of additional mealybug pests including Maconellicoccus hirsutus.
Habritys
Habritys is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Thomson in 1878. These small parasitoid wasps belong to the diverse superfamily Chalcidoidea. The genus is known from northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with many Pteromalidae, species are likely associated with parasitizing other insects, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented.
Habrobracon
Habrobracon is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Species in this genus are ectoparasitoids of moth caterpillars, with Habrobracon hebetor being the most extensively studied and commercially utilized species. These wasps have been employed in augmentative biological control programs worldwide, particularly in developing countries, to manage stored-product pests and field crop pests without chemical insecticides. The genus has also served as a model organism for radiation biology research due to its remarkable resistance to ionizing radiation.
Habrolepis
Habrolepis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae). The genus was established by Foerster in 1856. Documented species include H. rouxi and H. diaspidi, both associated with diaspidid scale hosts. These wasps have been studied for their potential as biological control agents against agricultural pest scales.
Habronyx
Habronyx is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. Adults are approximately 30 mm in length. Species in this genus are internal parasitoids of Lepidopteran larvae, with females laying eggs inside caterpillars using their ovipositor. The genus contains over 50 described species distributed across Europe, Australia, and the Americas.
Habronyx magniceps
Habronyx magniceps is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1872. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only two records documented on iNaturalist. The specific epithet magniceps refers to the enlarged head characteristic of this species.
Hadrostethus scitulus
Hadrostethus scitulus is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Townes in 1978. It belongs to the genus Hadrostethus, a group of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The species is known from very few documented observations, with only three records reported on iNaturalist. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Halictophagidae
Halictophagidae is a family of twisted-wing parasites (Strepsiptera) comprising at least eight genera including Halictophagus, Coriophagus, and Dipterophagus. Members are endoparasitoids of other insects, with documented host associations including leafhoppers (Cicadellidae). The family has a cosmopolitan distribution through genus Halictophagus, while genus Coriophagus shows a Gondwanan distribution pattern with records from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, India, and Brazil.
Halictophagus
Leafhopper Twistwing Parasites
Halictophagus is a genus of twisted-wing parasites (Strepsiptera) in the family Halictophagidae. These insects are endoparasitoids of leafhoppers and related Hemiptera, primarily in the families Cicadellidae and Cercopidae. The genus exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: free-living males with reduced wings and branched antennae, and neotenic females that remain within the host. Multiple species have been described worldwide, with documented hosts including mango leafhoppers (Idioscopus spp., Bakera nigrobilineata) and other planthoppers.
Halictoxenos
Halictoxenos is a genus of strepsipteran insects (twisted-wing parasites) in the family Stylopidae. The genus comprises approximately 23 species distributed across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with a primarily Holarctic distribution. All species are obligate endoparasites of bees in the family Halictidae, particularly the subfamily Halictinae. The genus was established by W. Dwight Pierce in 1909.
Haltichella
Haltichella is a genus of chalcidid wasps in the family Chalcididae, established by Spinola in 1811. The genus contains at least 20 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. Members are parasitoid wasps whose larvae develop in or on host organisms. Host associations include Lepidoptera (families Bucculatricidae, Gelechiidae, Momphidae, Notodontidae, Oecophoridae, Pyralidae, Tortricidae) and Hymenoptera (Braconidae, Ichneumonidae).
Haltichella onatas
Haltichella onatas is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcididae, first described by Walker in 1843. Like other members of the genus Haltichella, it belongs to the subfamily Haltichellinae, a group characterized by specific morphological features of the hind femora. The species is part of the diverse Chalcidoidea superfamily, one of the largest groups of parasitoid wasps. Information on its biology and host associations remains limited in available literature.
Haltichella rhyacioniae
Haltichella rhyacioniae is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcididae, described by Gahan in 1927. The species epithet "rhyacioniae" indicates an association with moths of the genus Rhyacionia (pine tip moths), suggesting it is likely a parasitoid of these hosts. It belongs to the subfamily Haltichellinae, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features including modified hind legs. Records indicate presence in multiple U.S. states.
Haltichellinae
Haltichellinae is a subfamily of chalcidid wasps in the family Chalcididae, established by Ashmead in 1904. Members of this subfamily are parasitoid wasps, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The subfamily contains multiple genera and has been recorded in thousands of observations, indicating moderate taxonomic activity.
Halticoptera
Halticoptera is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Pteromalidae. Species in this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids of agromyzid leafminer flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae). They have been investigated as biological control agents for leafminer pests, though host suitability varies significantly between indigenous and invasive host species.
Hedychridium
cuckoo wasps
Hedychridium is a genus of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, characterized by brilliant metallic coloration in blues, greens, and reds. These small wasps are nest parasites of predatory solitary wasps, with females laying eggs in the nests of host species. The genus is distributed across the Western Palaearctic, with some species found in North America and isolated records from the Far East. Adults are commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar, particularly plants in the families Apiaceae and Asteraceae.
Hedychridium crassum
Hedychridium crassum is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, a group known for their brilliant metallic coloration and parasitic lifestyle. The genus Hedychridium is among the most vividly colored of all chrysidid wasps, with members displaying bright metallic blues, greens, and reds. Species in this genus are nest parasites of predatory solitary wasps. Very little specific information is available about H. crassum itself, as it appears to be a poorly documented species with no confirmed observations in major biodiversity databases.
Hedychridium dimidiatum
Hedychridium dimidiatum is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. These small, brilliantly metallic wasps are nest parasites of predatory solitary wasps, particularly beewolves in the genus Philanthus. The species has been documented as a suspected parasite of Philanthus gibbosus in North America. Like other chrysidids, females enter host nests to lay eggs, and when threatened can roll into a tight ball where their dense, sculptured cuticle protects them from stings and bites.
Hedychridium fletcheri
Hedychridium fletcheri is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. The genus Hedychridium comprises brilliantly colored wasps with metallic blue, green, and red coloration. These wasps are nest parasites of predatory, solitary wasps. The specific epithet "fletcheri" suggests the species was named in honor of an individual with that surname, though the exact etymology is not documented in available sources.
Hedychridium solierellae
Hedychridium solierellae is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Members of this genus are among the most brilliantly colored of the chrysidids, exhibiting bright metallic blues, greens, and reds. These wasps are nest parasites of predatory, solitary wasps. The genus Hedychridium is part of the diverse cuckoo wasp family Chrysididae, which comprises kleptoparasitic species that lay their eggs in the nests of other wasps and bees.
Heimbra opaca
Heimbra opaca is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eurytomidae, first described by Ashmead in 1894. Originally placed in the genus Euperilampus, it was later transferred to Heimbra. This small parasitic wasp belongs to a family known for attacking various insect hosts, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from Brazil.
Helcon
Helcon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Nees in 1812. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Helconinae, a group characterized by their association with wood-boring beetle larvae as hosts. The genus is found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with documented occurrences in Scandinavia. As with other braconid wasps, species in Helcon are likely solitary parasitoids, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Hellinsia homodactylus
Plain Plume Moth, Elliott's Plume Moth, Habeck's Plume Moth
Hellinsia homodactylus is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, first described by Walker in 1864. It is characterized by predominantly white coloration with subtle brownish markings on the forewings. The species has a broad North American distribution spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, with additional records from Mexico. Notably, its larvae have been documented as parasitoids of other insects, an unusual feeding strategy within the family.
Heloridae
Heloridae is a family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Proctotrupoidea. The family is represented by a single extant genus, Helorus, with approximately 12-18 species distributed worldwide. Extant members are solitary endoparasitoids of Chrysopidae (green lacewing) larvae. The family is notable for its extensive fossil record, with numerous extinct genera documented from Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits in Asia and Europe.
Helorimorphini
Helorimorphini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Braconidae. Members are koinobiont endoparasitoids, meaning they develop inside living hosts without immediately killing them. The tribe is relatively small and understudied, with most species associated with lepidopteran hosts.
Helorus ruficornis
Helorus ruficornis is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Heloridae. The species is characterized by reddish antennae, as indicated by its specific epithet. It has been recorded from Europe and has been introduced to Hawaii. The family Heloridae comprises solitary parasitoids associated with aphids.
Hemihoplis
Hemihoplis is a genus of ichneumonid wasps established by Heinrich in 1960. The genus belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, with only three records on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. The genus name suggests a morphological relationship to the genus Hoplis, with 'hemi-' indicating a partial or intermediate condition.
Hemihoplis propitius
Hemihoplis propitius is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1872. It belongs to the genus Hemihoplis, a group of parasitoid wasps whose biology remains poorly documented. The species is known from very few observations, with only three records in iNaturalist. Like other ichneumonids, it likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships have not been established.
Hemipenthes blanchardiana
A species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. Larvae of the genus Hemipenthes are hyper-parasites, developing as parasites of ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and other insects that are themselves parasites of caterpillars. This makes them secondary consumers in parasitoid food webs. Adults visit flowers for nectar. The species has been documented in Arizona and other parts of North America.
Hemipenthes catulina
Hemipenthes catulina is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1894. As a member of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae are hyper-parasites, developing as parasites of parasitic insects such as ichneumon wasps and tachinid flies that attack caterpillars. The species is part of a diverse family of bee flies, many of which are important biological control agents. Specific details about H. catulina's adult appearance and precise host relationships remain limited in published sources.
Hemipenthes celeris
Hemipenthes celeris is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It was first described by Wiedemann in 1828. A 2009 taxonomic review synonymized three previously recognized species names under H. celeris, establishing it as the valid name for this taxon in North America. Like other members of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae are hyper-parasites of other parasitic insects.
Hemipenthes curta
Bee Fly
Hemipenthes curta is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. Like other members of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae are hyper-parasites—parasites of other parasitic insects. The species occurs in North America and is active during spring and summer months. Adult bee flies in this genus are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar.
Hemipenthes edwardsii
Edwards's bee fly
Hemipenthes edwardsii is a bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, found in western North America. Its larvae are hyper-parasites, developing as parasites of ichneumon wasp and tachinid fly larvae that themselves parasitize caterpillars of butterflies and moths. The species was described by Coquillett in 1894 and is one of approximately 800 bee fly species in North America.
Hemipenthes jaennickeana
Hemipenthes jaennickeana is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, characterized by its hyper-parasitic larval lifestyle. Like other members of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae develop as parasites of other parasitic insects, specifically targeting ichneumon wasp and tachinid fly larvae that themselves parasitize caterpillars. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886 and is part of a diverse family of true flies that often mimic bees in appearance.
Hemipenthes lepidota
Hemipenthes lepidota is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. As a member of the genus Hemipenthes, its larvae are hyper-parasites that parasitize the larvae of other parasitic insects, including ichneumon wasps and tachinid flies, which themselves are parasites of butterfly and moth caterpillars. Adults are likely flower visitors, feeding on nectar with their elongated proboscis. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1887 and belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae.
Hemipenthes pullata
Hemipenthes pullata is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1894. The genus Hemipenthes is distinguished by its unique larval ecology: larvae are hyper-parasitoids that develop as parasites of other parasitic insects, specifically targeting ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and similar parasitoids of lepidopteran caterpillars. Adult bee flies in this genus visit flowers for nectar, though they are considered flower visitors rather than effective pollinators. The species is part of the diverse North American bee fly fauna, which includes over 800 described species north of Mexico.
Hemipenthes scylla
Hemipenthes scylla is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Hemipenthes is notable for its unusual larval ecology: larvae are hyper-parasites that parasitize the larvae of other parasitic insects, including ichneumon wasps and tachinid flies, which themselves attack caterpillars of butterflies and moths. The species has been documented in Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.
Hemipepsis
tarantula hawks, Old and New World Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis is a genus of large spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as tarantula hawks. The genus contains approximately 180 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with significant diversity in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hemipepsis wasps are distinguished from the related genus Pepsis by subtle differences in wing venation patterns. In South Africa, Hemipepsis wasps serve as exclusive pollinators for 18 plant species across three families (Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloodeae). The genus has been extensively studied for its complex male territorial behavior, particularly in the North American species H. ustulata.
Hemipepsis toussainti
Hemipepsis toussainti is a species of tarantula hawk wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1928. It belongs to the genus Hemipepsis, which includes large, predatory spider wasps that paralyze tarantulas to provision their nests. The species is part of a diverse group of tarantula hawks found in western North America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Hemipepsis ustulata
Flamed Tarantula-hawk Wasp, tarantula hawk
Hemipepsis ustulata is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as a tarantula hawk. It is native to the Southwestern United States and is among the largest Hymenoptera, reaching up to 5 cm in length. Females hunt tarantulas, paralyzing them with a powerful sting to serve as living food for their larvae. Males exhibit complex lekking territorial behavior, defending prominent perches on hilltops to intercept receptive females. The species has matte black coloration with rust-orange wings, distinguishing it from the iridescent blue-black Pepsis species.
Hemiptarsenus
Hemiptarsenus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as larval parasitoids of leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae), with some species also attacking Lepidopteran hosts. The genus has been studied extensively for its potential in biological control of agricultural pests, particularly leafminers affecting vegetable crops. Multiple species have been described from Asia, with new species continuing to be discovered in China.
Henryana
Henryana is a monotypic genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, subfamily Tetrastichinae. The genus was described by Yoshimoto in 1983 and is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. As a monotypic genus, it contains a single described species. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Herbertiidae
Herbertiidae is a family of chalcidoid wasps elevated from subfamily status in 2022 based on molecular, morphological, and life history data. The family contains three genera—Herbertia, Exolabrum, and the extinct Versolabrum—with approximately ten species worldwide. These small, dark wasps are parasitoids associated with hosts in multiple insect orders.
Herpestomus
Herpestomus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. Species in this genus are known from Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. At least one species, Herpestomus brunnicornis, has been studied as a potential biological control agent for the apple ermine moth (Yponomeutidae).
Heterischnus
Heterischnus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae, tribe Phaeogenini. The genus occurs across three continents: Europe, North America, and Africa. At least eleven species are recognized, including H. filiformis, which has been documented parasitizing the moth Xestia collina. The Nearctic species were revised in 2021, providing the first regional identification key.
Heterischnus huardi
A Nearctic ichneumon wasp species originally described as Posocentrus huardi by Provancher in 1875. One of three known Nearctic species in the genus Heterischnus, alongside H. bicolorator and H. coloradensis. The species was redescribed in a 2021 taxonomic revision that provided the first key to Nearctic Heterischnus species.