Parasitoid
Guides
Kokkocynips difficilis
Kokkocynips difficilis is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, originally described by Ashmead in 1887 as Andricus difficilis. It belongs to the tribe Cynipini, which comprises gall-inducing wasps associated with oaks (Quercus spp.). The genus Kokkocynips was established relatively recently (2021) following taxonomic revision of the oak gall wasps. Like other members of this genus, K. difficilis likely induces galls on oak species, though specific host associations and gall morphology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Kulcania
Kulcania is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Orussidae, established by Benson in 1935. The genus is currently listed as doubtful in taxonomic databases, indicating uncertainty about its validity or distinctness from related genera. Members of Orussidae, commonly called parasitic wood wasps, are unusual among Hymenoptera as they are parasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae rather than other wasps or bees.
Labena
Labena is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Labeninae. The genus contains at least 40 described species distributed primarily in the New World. Species have been documented from North America through Central America, including the Yucatán Peninsula. Labena species are associated with wood-boring beetles, with at least one species documented in proximity to the cerambycid Callidiellum rufipenne.
Labeninae
Labeninae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae, comprising 12 extant genera organized into four tribes: Labenini, Groteini, Poecilocryptini, and Xenothyrini. The group has a predominantly Southern Hemisphere distribution, with phylogenomic and biogeographic analyses supporting a Gondwanan origin approximately 146 million years ago. Members exhibit diverse host associations: Labenini parasitize wood-boring beetles (Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Curculionidae), Groteini specialize on solitary bees, and Poecilocryptini may include phytophagous species based on larval morphology. The subfamily represents an ancient lineage with complex biogeographic history involving vicariance and range expansion events.
Laelius
Laelius is a cosmopolitan genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Bethylidae, subfamily Epyrinae. Species are ectoparasitoids of beetle larvae, primarily attacking Dermestidae (larder beetles), with some species also associated with Scolytinae and Glossinidae. The genus contains approximately 68 valid species worldwide, with significant diversity in the Palaearctic region. Several species have been investigated for biological control of stored product pests and forest pests.
Lagynodes acuticornis
Lagynodes acuticornis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Megaspilidae, first described by Kieffer in 1906. The species belongs to a small family of tiny wasps (typically 1–4 mm) that are understudied and poorly known ecologically. Megaspilids are generally internal parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations for most species remain undocumented. The genus Lagynodes is distinguished by reduced wing venation and distinctive antennal morphology.
Lalapa
Lalapa is a genus of wasps in the family Tiphiidae, first described by Pate in 1947. The genus contains at least one species, Lalapa lusa, whose name is a humorous play on words sounding like "la-la palooza." These wasps belong to a group of solitary, ground-nesting parasitoids that attack scarab beetle larvae.
Lambdina punctata
Lambdina punctata is a geometrid moth species known as a looper, documented in Utah and recorded as a host for the ichneumon wasp Coccygomimus sanguinipes erythropus. The species belongs to a genus of moths commonly associated with woody plants, though specific life history details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Larra
Mole Cricket Hunters
Larra is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as mole cricket hunters. These wasps are distributed throughout tropical regions worldwide and have gained prominence as biological control agents for mole cricket pests. The genus was established by Fabricius in 1793 and belongs to the subfamily Crabroninae within the tribe Larrini.
Larra bicolor
mole cricket hunter
A solitary parasitoid wasp native to South America, introduced to Florida and Puerto Rico as a biological control agent for invasive mole crickets in the genus Scapteriscus. Adult females hunt mole crickets by stinging them to temporary paralysis and depositing a single egg on the host, which the larva consumes before pupating within the cricket's remains. Adults feed on nectar, particularly from Spermacoce verticillata and other flowering plants. The species has been successfully established in the southeastern United States following introductions from Brazil and Bolivia.
Lathrolestes
Lathrolestes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, tribe Perilissini, subfamily Ctenopelmatinae. The genus is best known from the species L. ensator, a biological control agent of the apple sawfly Hoplocampa testudinea in orchards.
Lebia grandis
Large Foliage Ground Beetle
Lebia grandis is a North American ground beetle and the largest species in its genus on the continent. Adults are specialist predators of Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae, consuming up to 23 eggs or 3 third-instar larvae daily. First-instar larvae are obligate parasitoids of Leptinotarsa pupae, developing within host pupal chambers in soil. The species has primarily nocturnal habits and a cryptic life cycle that delayed recognition of its ecological importance for approximately a century after its formal description.
Leionotoxenos
Leionotoxenos is a genus of twisted-wing parasitoids in the family Xenidae. It was described by Pierce in 1909 and is currently treated as a synonym of Pseudoxenos. Members of this group are endoparasites of other insects, with females remaining larval and neotenic throughout their lives. The genus is part of the highly modified and morphologically unusual order Strepsiptera.
Leionotoxenos tigridis
Leionotoxenos tigridis is a species of twisted-wing parasitoid in the family Xenidae. The species was originally described as Pseudoxenos tigridis by Pierce in 1911 and later transferred to the genus Leionotoxenos. It is known from a small number of observations in North America, particularly from Illinois. As with all Strepsiptera, this species is an endoparasitoid of other insects.
Leiophron
Leiophron is a genus of endoparasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Euphorinae. Species are known to parasitize plant bugs (Miridae), particularly nymphal and adult stages of Lygus species and related mirids. The genus has been taxonomically reviewed for Nearctic species, with multiple new species described and synonymies established. Leiophron species show distinct host associations and geographic distribution patterns, with documented occurrence in the Nearctic, Palaearctic, and Old World tropics.
Lelaps
Lelaps is a genus of minute chalcidoid wasps in the family Diparidae, containing over 40 described species. These wasps were formerly classified in Pteromalidae but were reassigned to Diparidae based on phylogenetic studies. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, referencing the hound Laelaps that always caught its prey. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Lelaps argenticoxa
Lelaps argenticoxa is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Diparidae, originally described by Girault in 1916. The specific epithet 'argenticoxa' refers to the silver-colored coxae (basal leg segments), a distinctive morphological feature. Like other members of Diparidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records remain undocumented. The species is known from historical taxonomic descriptions with limited subsequent study.
Lemophagus
Lemophagus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Campopleginae. Species are larval parasitoids of chrysomelid beetles, with documented hosts including cereal leaf beetles, lily leaf beetles, and related leaf-feeding beetles. The genus was erected by Townes in 1965 and contains approximately nine described species distributed across the Palearctic, Oriental, and Nearctic regions. Some species have been introduced as biological control agents for agricultural pests.
Lemophagus curtus
Lemophagus curtus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Townes in 1965. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The species is recorded from Norway, Sweden, and the conterminous United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Lepidanthrax eremicus
Lepidanthrax eremicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Hall in 1976. The species is known only from California. As a member of the bee fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic parasitoid lifestyle of many bombyliids, though specific biological details remain undocumented.
Leptacis
Leptacis is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae. These wasps are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), particularly those associated with freshly cut or damaged wood. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with documented species across multiple continents. Leptacis wasps are typically less than 2 mm in length and are often overlooked due to their small size.
Leptofoenus rufus
Leptofoenus rufus is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Pelecinellidae, described by LaSalle and Stage in 1985. The genus Leptofoenus is notable within the Chalcidoidea for its relatively large body size compared to most members of this superfamily. This species is known from Mexico based on distribution records.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLeptomastidea
Leptomastidea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), first described by Mercet in 1916. The genus contains approximately 24 described species worldwide, with members distributed across the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, and Oriental regions. Species are primary parasitoids of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with some species also attacking eriococcids (Eriococcidae). Several species, particularly L. abnormis and L. dactylopii, have been widely used in classical and augmentative biological control programs against citrus and vine mealybugs. The genus is classified in the tribe Anagyrini based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence.
Leptomastidea abnormis
Leptomastidea abnormis is an encyrtid parasitoid wasp native to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with introduced populations in Europe and elsewhere. It is a primary parasitoid of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), particularly the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri, and is widely used in biological control programs. Females exhibit size-dependent host selection, preferring second-instar mealybugs but also attacking later instars and adults. The species shows temperature-dependent reproduction, with maximum progeny production at 24°C maintained up to 34°C. Sex allocation follows host quality models, with female-biased sex ratios on larger hosts.
Leptomeraporus
Leptomeraporus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae. A Brazilian study documented Leptomeraporus sp. as a parasitoid of the soybean stem miner fly Melanagromyza sojae, marking the first record of this genus in South America. The specimens were identified as likely representing an undescribed species. Members of this genus are known or suspected to act as primary parasitoids of dipteran larvae and may exhibit secondary parasitism on other Hymenoptera.
Leschenaultia
Leschenaultia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 35 described species distributed across the New World, from Canada to Argentina. Species in this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented hosts spanning at least seven families including Lasiocampidae, Erebidae, Noctuidae, and Saturniidae. The genus has been studied primarily for its role in biological control of forest tent caterpillar and other caterpillar pests. Female flies locate hosts using volatile cues from damaged plants and host frass, with oviposition strategies varying between macrotype eggs deposited directly on host integument and microtype eggs placed on foliage.
Leschenaultia adusta
A tachinid fly in the tribe Goniini, known from North America. The species was originally described as Blepharipeza adusta by Loew in 1872. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop within other insects.
Leschenaultia bicolor
Leschenaultia bicolor is a tachinid fly parasitoid that attacks lepidopteran caterpillars. Females deposit microtype eggs on leaves, which are ingested by host caterpillars during feeding. The species has been recorded from multiple Halysidota species (Erebidae) and is distributed across the New World from Canada to Argentina. A 2020 study provided the first description and illustration of male and female terminalia for this species.
Leschenaultia exul
Leschenaultia exul is a tachinid fly that parasitizes tent caterpillars, particularly the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) and eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americana). Females locate hosts using olfactory cues from larval aggregation pheromones and frass volatiles, combined with visual cues such as silk trails and larval aggregations. The species deposits macrotype eggs directly onto host larvae and is considered an important biological control agent of forest tent caterpillar populations in North America.
Leschenaultia halisidotae
Leschenaultia halisidotae is a bristle fly species in the family Tachinidae, described by Brooks in 1947. It is a parasitoid of tiger moth caterpillars in the genera Halysidota and Lophocampa. The species is distributed across North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico. As a tachinid fly, it plays a role in regulating populations of its moth hosts through larval parasitism.
Leschenaultia reinhardi
Leschenaultia reinhardi is a tachinid fly described in 2002 by Toma and Guimarães. It belongs to the tribe Goniini within the subfamily Exoristinae. The species is known from North America. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented in the available literature.
Leskia
Leskia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed across multiple continents. As members of the tribe Leskiini, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in the Afrotropical region, with multiple species described by Emden in 1960.
Leskia occidentalis
Leskia occidentalis is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It is native to North America. As a tachinid fly, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships for this species have not been documented in the available literature.
Lespesia
Lespesia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) distributed from Canada to Chile, with approximately 37 species in the Neotropical Region. Species are endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera caterpillars, with some records from sawfly larvae. The genus includes economically significant species such as L. archippivora, a major parasitoid of monarch butterfly larvae documented through extensive citizen science monitoring.
Lespesia archippivora
Caterpillar Destroyer
Lespesia archippivora is a tachinid fly parasitoid that develops internally within caterpillars, eventually killing its host. It is a generalist parasitoid known to infect at least 25 lepidopteran species and one hymenopteran species. The species is particularly notable for its impact on monarch butterfly populations, with studies estimating 6.2% of wild monarchs are killed by this fly. It has been widely used as a biological control agent against agricultural pests including armyworms, cutworms, and corn earworms. First introduced to Hawaii in 1898 for pest control, it is now established across North America and several Pacific islands.
Lespesia samiae
Lespesia samiae is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. It belongs to the genus Lespesia, which includes parasitoid flies that attack lepidopteran caterpillars. The species was described by Webber in 1930 and is known to occur in North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely functions as an internal parasitoid of moth or butterfly larvae, though specific host records for this species are not well documented in the provided sources.
Leucophora
satellite flies, root-maggot flies
Leucophora is a genus of kleptoparasitic flies in the family Anthomyiidae, comprising approximately 60 described species with worldwide distribution except Oceania. Species are commonly known as 'satellite flies' due to their habit of hovering near host nests. The genus is associated with bees and solitary wasps, with females shadowing hosts to locate nest entrances for oviposition. Larvae are parasitic on host brood. Several species are notoriously difficult to distinguish based on external morphology alone.
Leucophora obtusa
satellite fly
Leucophora obtusa is a satellite fly in the family Anthomyiidae that parasitizes the larvae of Andrena bees. The species is found across Japan, Europe, and North America. It is notoriously difficult to distinguish from other Leucophora species and is characterized by being particularly hairy. The common name "satellite fly" refers to the female's behavior of hovering or "orbiting" around bee nests.
Leucospidae
leucospid wasps
Leucospidae are a specialized family of parasitic wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, distinguished by their relatively large size compared to other chalcidoids. They are ectoparasitoids of solitary bees and wasps, with females laying eggs in host nests where larvae attach externally to developing host larvae. The family exhibits distinctive morphological features including enlarged, toothed hind femora and a uniquely recurved ovipositor that extends dorsally along the abdomen in females.
Leucospis
Leucospis is a genus of large chalcidoid wasps in the family Leucospidae. Adults are typically 2–14 mm long with distinctive yellow and black coloration that resembles mason wasps. Females possess a uniquely curved ovipositor that arches over the back, used to drill into wood and reach host larvae in sealed cells. Larvae develop as ectoparasites on solitary bees and wasps, with typically only one parasite emerging per host cell. The genus has a global distribution in tropical and temperate regions.
Leucospis affinis
Leucospis affinis is a large chalcidoid wasp and the most common and widespread North American species in the family Leucospidae. Females are easily recognized by their whip-like ovipositor that curls over the dorsal surface of the abdomen, which they use to drill through wood and deposit eggs in the nests of solitary bees. The species is an external parasite (ectoparasitoid) primarily of megachilid bees including leafcutter bees (Megachile), mason bees (Osmia), and resin bees (Dianthidium), though it has also been recorded from the mason wasp Ancistrocerus antilope.
Leucospis affinis affinis
Leucospis affinis affinis is a chalcidoid wasp in the family Leucospidae, notable for being among the largest members of its superfamily. Females are distinguished by an ovipositor that curves over the dorsal abdomen, used to drill into wood and parasitize solitary bees nesting in pre-existing cavities. The subspecies is primarily a parasite of megachilid bees including leafcutter bees (Megachile), mason bees (Osmia), and resin bees (Dianthidium). Larvae develop as external parasites attached to host bee larvae, completing development in approximately 7–12 days before pupating within the host's cocoon.
Leucospis affinis floridana
Leucospis affinis floridana is a subspecies of chalcidoid wasp in the family Leucospidae. As a member of this family, it is notably large compared to typical chalcid wasps and possesses distinctive morphological adaptations for parasitism. The species is a parasitoid of solitary bees, particularly megachilid bees including mason bees and leafcutter bees. Females use a specialized ovipositor that curves over the abdomen to drill through wood and deposit eggs in host nests.
Leucospis birkmani
Leucospis birkmani is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Leucospidae, a group notable for being unusually large among chalcidoid wasps. Like other leucospids, it is an external parasite of solitary bees and wasps. The female possesses a distinctive whip-like ovipositor that curves over the top of the abdomen, which she uses to drill through wood and deposit eggs in host nests. The species occurs in the southern United States including Arizona, Florida, and Texas.
Leucospis robertsoni
Leucospis robertsoni is a parasitic wasp in the family Leucospidae, a group of relatively large chalcidoid wasps often mistaken for mason or potter wasps due to their black and yellow markings. Like other leucospids, females possess a distinctive ovipositor that curls over the top of the abdomen, which they use to drill into wood and deposit eggs in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States and Mexico.
Leucostoma aterrimum
Leucostoma aterrimum is a species of tachinid fly in the subfamily Phasiinae. It is known as a parasitoid of true bugs, with documented records of attacking adult scentless plant bugs (Rhopalidae). The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and parts of South America, with introduced populations in Hawaii.
Leurus
Leurus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Metopiinae. Species in this genus are koinobiont parasitoids of caterpillars, particularly leaf-rolling Crambidae (Lepidoptera). The genus exhibits remarkable cryptic diversity, with eleven sympatric species documented from a single conservation area in Costa Rica. These wasps are distinguished through integrated approaches combining COI barcoding, host associations, and subtle morphological traits.
Licrooides
Licrooides is a genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Eupelmidae, described by Gibson in 1989. As members of the subfamily Eusandalinae, these wasps share the family's characteristic jumping ability powered by specialized mesothoracic musculature. The genus is part of the hyperdiverse chalcidoid wasp superfamily, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist suggesting it is rarely encountered or underdocumented. Like other eupelmids, species in this genus are parasitoids of other arthropods, though specific host relationships for Licrooides remain poorly known.
Ligyra
Ligyra is a genus of bee flies (Diptera: Bombyliidae) in the tribe Exoprosopini, established by Edward Newman in 1841. The genus contains at least 110 described species with cosmopolitan distribution, though recent cladistic analysis has restricted its scope by erecting a new genus for New World species previously assigned to Ligyra. Species in this genus are hyperparasitoids, attacking ground-nesting aculeate Hymenoptera including Sphecidae, Pompilidae, Tiphiidae, and Scoliidae.