Parasitoid
Guides
Macromya crocata
Macromya crocata is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It belongs to the tribe Nemoraeini and was described by Reinhard in 1968. The species is found in North America, where it occurs in forested habitats. Like other tachinid flies, it is a parasitoid, though specific host records for this species remain undocumented. Adults are active during late summer and fall, often observed visiting flowers for nectar.
Macrorileya oecanthi
Macrorileya oecanthi is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eurytomidae. It was described by William H. Ashmead in 1894. The specific epithet 'oecanthi' indicates an association with tree crickets of the genus Oecanthus, suggesting this species may be a parasitoid or inquiline associated with these orthopteran hosts. The species is known from scattered records in the eastern and central United States.
Macrosiagon
wedge-shaped beetles
Macrosiagon is a genus of wedge-shaped beetles (family Ripiphoridae) containing more than 20 described species. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wasps and bees. First-instar larvae (triungulinids) exhibit phoretic behavior, attaching to host insects for transport. The genus has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical regions.
Macrosiagon limbata
Bordered Wedge-shaped Beetle
Macrosiagon limbata is a wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, first described by Fabricius in 1781. Adults are active in summer and found on flowers, particularly elderberries and goldenrod. The species undergoes hypermetamorphosis, with larvae serving as internal parasitoids of Crabronidae wasps. Females deposit eggs on flowers visited by bees and other hymenopterans, where first-instar planidia attach to hosts for transport to nests.
Macrosiagon octomaculata
Macrosiagon octomaculata is a ripiphorid beetle species known to be a parasitoid of wasps and bees. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving triungulinid larvae that use phoretic transport on host insects to reach their ultimate hosts. First accurately recorded from southern Brazil, specifically Santa Catarina Island, where it was found associated with the eriocaulaceous plant Paepalanthus polyanthus in restinga habitat. The species represents one of the few documented cases of Ripiphoridae utilizing an Eriocaulaceae species for reproductive biology.
Macroteleia
Macroteleia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Scelionidae (historically placed in Platygastridae). The genus contains more than 140 described species worldwide. Species in this genus are believed to be parasitoids of eggs of longhorned grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). A 2013 revision of Chinese Macroteleia recognized 17 species in that region, including 7 newly described species.
Macroteleia carinata
Macroteleia carinata is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Scelionidae, described by Ashmead in 1894. The genus Macroteleia comprises approximately 131 described species worldwide, with members believed to be parasitoids of eggs of longhorned grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). The species is recorded from Brazil (Pará state).
Madremyia
Madremyia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Eryciini. The genus includes at least three described species, with Madremyia saundersii being a documented parasitoid of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), a major forest pest in North America. Tachinid flies in this genus are larval parasitoids of Lepidoptera.
Mallophora
Bee-killers
Mallophora is a genus of large, robust robber flies (family Asilidae) commonly known as bee-killers. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are powerful aerial predators that capture bees and other insects in flight, while larvae of at least some species are solitary ectoparasitoids of scarab beetle larvae (white grubs) in soil. Mallophora ruficauda, the best-studied species, is a significant pest of apiculture in the Pampas region of Argentina, where adults prey on honey bees, yet the same species functions as a beneficial biological control agent of agricultural pests through its larval parasitism of scarab grubs.
Manduca quinquemaculatus
Five-spotted Hawk Moth, Tomato Hornworm
Manduca quinquemaculatus, commonly known as the five-spotted hawk moth or tomato hornworm, is a large sphinx moth whose caterpillar is a significant agricultural pest. The adult moth has a wingspan up to 5 inches (12 cm) and is a strong flier active at night. The larval stage feeds primarily on tomatoes and other Solanaceae plants, causing extensive defoliation when populations are high. The species is closely related to and often confused with the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta).
Mantispidae
mantidflies, mantispids, mantid lacewings, mantis-flies
Mantispidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 400 species in around 400 genera, distributed worldwide with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Adults are predators characterized by raptorial forelegs—convergent with mantises but independently evolved—used to capture small arthropod prey. The family exhibits diverse larval life histories: Mantispinae are ectoparasitoids of spider egg sacs; Symphrasinae parasitize ground-nesting hymenopterans and scarab beetle larvae; Calomantispinae are predatory on small arthropods; and Drepanicinae life history remains largely unknown. First-instar larvae (planidia) employ specialized host-location strategies including direct penetration of egg sacs or phoretic transport on female spiders.
Marietta timberlakei
Marietta timberlakei is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Aphelinidae, described by Hayat in 1986. The species is named in honor of the American entomologist Philip H. Timberlake, who made extensive contributions to the study of Hymenoptera, particularly bees and wasps. As a member of the genus Marietta, it is likely a hyperparasitoid, a trait common to other species in this genus. The species has been recorded from Hawaii and Maryland in the United States, as well as Brazil.
Masiphya
Masiphya is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891. The genus contains at least ten described species distributed across the Americas. One species, M. confusa, has been documented as a parasitoid of the Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina), with field parasitization rates exceeding 80% in some populations. The genus name Masiphya manteophaga refers to its association with mantid hosts.
Mastrus
Mastrus is a genus of ichneumonid wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) containing parasitoid species that attack lepidopteran hosts, particularly tortricid moths. The genus includes species of significant agricultural importance as biological control agents, notably M. ridens and M. ridibundus, which parasitize the codling moth (Cydia pomonella). Species in this genus are gregarious ectoparasitoids that attack host larvae during the cocooning/prepupal stage. Research has focused on their olfactory host-finding mechanisms, thermal biology, and integration into conservation biological control programs.
Mastrus smithii
Mastrus smithii is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Packard in 1865. The genus Mastrus comprises parasitoid wasps, and members of this genus are known to attack the larvae of wood-boring beetles, particularly in the family Buprestidae. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only one documented observation on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Mauromyia
Mauromyia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Coquillett in 1897. The genus contains six described species distributed in North America. As with other Tachinidae, members are parasitoid flies, though specific host relationships for most species remain undocumented. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features in the male terminalia.
Medina
Medina is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Blondeliini, subfamily Exoristinae. Established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830, this genus comprises parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects. The genus is distributed across parts of Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other tachinids, Medina species are likely important biological control agents, though specific details about host associations and biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Medophron
Medophron is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Förster in 1869. It belongs to the subfamily Campopleginae, a diverse group of koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack concealed lepidopteran larvae. The genus is poorly studied, with limited species-level documentation and few verified records. Most available information derives from taxonomic catalogs rather than biological studies.
Megaplectes
Megaplectes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Förster in 1869. The genus is represented by at least one described species, Megaplectes monticola, and is known from Europe and North America. Members of this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is relatively obscure with limited published biological information.
Megaplectes monticola
Megaplectes monticola is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Originally described by Gravenhorst in 1829 as Ichneumon monticola, it was later transferred to the genus Megaplectes. The species epithet "monticola" refers to a mountain-dwelling habit. Like other ichneumon wasps, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from Canada and parts of Europe including Denmark and Norway.
Megarhyssa
Giant Ichneumonid Wasps, Giant Ichneumons, Stump Stabbers
Megarhyssa is a genus of large ichneumonid wasps comprising 37 species distributed worldwide. Females possess extraordinarily elongated ovipositors—up to 14 cm in some species—that enable parasitism of wood-boring horntail larvae deep within tree trunks. The genus exhibits remarkable ecological specialization, with sympatric species partitioning host resources by ovipositor length, allowing coexistence through vertical stratification of host exploitation. These wasps are idiobiont ectoparasitoids, meaning they paralyze and consume their hosts without allowing further development.
Megarhyssa atrata
Black Giant Ichneumonid Wasp
Megarhyssa atrata is the largest known hymenopteran parasitoid, with females possessing an ovipositor that can exceed 130 mm—longer than any other arthropod genital apparatus. The species is primarily black with a yellow head and legs, and lacks the reddish-orange markings found in congeners. It parasitizes the larvae of the pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) deep within decaying hardwood, using remarkable wood-penetrating adaptations. Males aggregate at emergence sites and exhibit distinctive "tergal stroking" behavior, rubbing their abdomen tips against bark.
Megarhyssa greenei
Greene's Giant Ichneumonid Wasp
Megarhyssa greenei is a large ichneumonid wasp known from the United States and Canada. Females possess an elongated ovipositor used to parasitize larvae of the sawfly Tremex columba, commonly called the pigeon horntail. The species is frequently confused with the similar Megarhyssa macrurus but differs in relative ovipositor length and facial markings. Adults emerge from pupation under tree bark after approximately one year.
Megarhyssa macrurus
Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp, Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon Wasp
Megarhyssa macrurus is a large parasitoid wasp and one of the biggest ichneumonids in North America. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor—often exceeding body length—that allows them to reach wood-boring host larvae deep inside decaying trees. The species is a specialist parasitoid of pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) larvae. It occurs across the eastern United States and southern Canada, where it is most commonly observed in summer.
Megarhyssa macrurus icterosticta
Megarhyssa macrurus icterosticta is a subspecies of giant ichneumon wasp, among the largest ichneumonids in North America. Males of this subspecies are smaller than those of the sympatric species M. atrata, with more brown than black body coloration and wings that are clear with a well-developed spot on the costal margin. Females possess extremely long ovipositors used to parasitize woodboring larvae of Tremex columba (pigeon horntail) in decaying hardwoods, particularly at shallower depths than those reached by larger congeners.
Megarhyssa macrurus macrurus
giant ichneumon wasp
Megarhyssa macrurus macrurus is a North American giant ichneumon wasp and among the largest members of family Ichneumonidae. Females possess extremely long, slender ovipositors used to parasitize woodboring larvae of the pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) deep within tree trunks. Males aggregate on host trees and exhibit distinctive tergal stroking behavior, rubbing their abdomen tips against bark. This subspecies co-occurs with the larger M. atrata, with which it shares host resources through spatial partitioning based on ovipositor length differences.
Megarhyssa nortoni
Norton's giant ichneumonid wasp, western giant ichneumonid wasp
Megarhyssa nortoni is a large ichneumonid wasp native to North America, with two recognized subspecies occupying western and eastern ranges. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor reaching 51–76 mm, used to parasitize horntail wasp larvae deep within wood. Despite their formidable appearance, they are harmless to humans and do not sting. The species has been introduced to several countries as a biological control agent for forest pest horntails.
Megarhyssa nortoni nortoni
Western Giant Ichneumonid Wasp
Megarhyssa nortoni nortoni is a subspecies of giant ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor—among the longest of any insect—that they use to parasitize wood-boring horntail larvae deep within dead or dying hardwood trees. The species is native to western North America and has been introduced to New Zealand as a biological control agent. Despite their formidable appearance, they are harmless to humans and cannot sting.
Megarhyssa nortoni quebecensis
Megarhyssa nortoni quebecensis is a subspecies of giant ichneumon wasp, among the largest members of family Ichneumonidae in North America. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor—often exceeding body length—that they use to parasitize woodboring larvae of the pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) deep within dead or decaying hardwood. The wasp is harmless to humans, lacking a functional stinger; the apparent "stinger" is actually the ovipositor apparatus. Males are smaller, lack the elongated ovipositor, and exhibit distinctive aggregation behaviors around potential emergence sites.
Megaspilidae
Megaspilidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Ceraphronoidea, comprising approximately 450 described species across 13 genera in two subfamilies. The family remains poorly known biologically, though most species are believed to be parasitoids of sternorrhynchan Hemiptera (particularly aphids), with some functioning as hyperparasitoids attacking other parasitoids. Many species inhabit soil, and several are wingless. The largest genus is Dendrocerus, followed by Conostigmus.
Megaspilinae
Megaspilinae is a subfamily of minute parasitoid wasps within Megaspilidae, superfamily Ceraphronoidea. Members of this subfamily are extremely small, often less than 2 mm in length, and are characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive antennal structure. The subfamily includes genera of agricultural significance, such as Dendrocerus, which have been studied for their molecular characterization and distribution. Species within Megaspilinae have been documented from multiple regions including India, with recent records extending known distributions.
Megatibicen dorsatus
Bush Cicada, Giant Grassland Cicada, Grand Western Cicada, Splendid Prairie Cicada
Megatibicen dorsatus, commonly known as the Bush Cicada or Giant Grassland Cicada, is a large, striking cicada species endemic to the tallgrass and shortgrass prairies of the central United States. Adults are among the largest North American cicadas, measuring approximately 57 mm in length, with distinctive white waxy markings on a dark body. Males produce loud, characteristic songs using internal tymbal organs to attract females. The species has an annual life cycle with staggered emergences, with adults active primarily from July through September. M. dorsatus is frequently found perched on low vegetation in open grassland habitats, where its contrasting coloration provides surprising cryptic protection. Adult males serve as hosts for the acoustically hunting sarcophagid parasitoid Emblemasoma erro.
Megischus
crown wasp
Megischus is a large genus of crown wasps (family Stephanidae) containing over 90 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution centered in subtropical and tropical regions. The genus is characterized by medium to large body size, with adults ranging from approximately 10–40 mm in length (excluding the ovipositor). Females possess an exceptionally long ovipositor that typically exceeds body length, used to parasitize wood-boring beetle and hymenopteran larvae. The genus serves as an important biological control agent for pest populations of hardwood-damaging insects.
Megischus arizonicus
Arizona Crown Wasp
Megischus arizonicus is a species of crown wasp in the family Stephanidae, first described by Townes. Originally known only from Arizona, USA, the species has since been documented in central Mexico, expanding its known range significantly. Like other stephanids, it is a parasitoid wasp associated with wood-boring beetle larvae. The species exhibits the characteristic elongated, crown-like structure on the head that gives the family its common name. Records remain sparse, with only a handful of observations documented in biodiversity databases.
Megischus brunneus
Megischus brunneus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Stephanidae, order Hymenoptera. The genus Megischus belongs to an ancient lineage of wasps characterized by elongated, multi-segmented antennae and distinctive elongated neck-like structures. Members of this family are typically associated with wood-boring beetle larvae as hosts. Very little species-specific information has been published for M. brunneus.
Megischus californicus
Megischus californicus is a species of crown wasp in the family Stephanidae, an ancient lineage of parasitoid wasps characterized by their distinctive elongated, multi-segmented antennae. The genus Megischus represents one of the most primitive extant groups of Hymenoptera. This species is known from a single observation record, indicating it is either extremely rare, poorly sampled, or potentially extinct. Stephanidae are solitary parasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae, using their long antennae to detect hosts within timber.
Megischus texanus
Texas Crown Wasp
Megischus texanus, commonly known as the Texas Crown Wasp, is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Stephanidae. Crown wasps are characterized by their distinctive elongated, crown-like projection on the head and their parasitoid lifestyle targeting wood-boring beetle larvae. This species represents one of relatively few documented members of this ancient wasp family in North America.
Meigenielloides
Meigenielloides is a genus of tachinid flies established by Townsend in 1919. It contains a single known species, Meigenielloides cinerea, described from Mexico. As a member of the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies that attack other insects.
Meigenielloides cinereus
Meigenielloides cinereus is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Townsend in 1919. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, with larvae that develop inside or on other insects. The genus Meigenielloides is named after the German dipterist Johann Wilhelm Meigen. No specific biological information is available for this species.
Melanichneumon disparilis
Melanichneumon disparilis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1867. The genus Melanichneumon is part of a large group of parasitoid wasps characterized by their role in controlling other insect populations. This species belongs to the subfamily Ichneumoninae, a diverse group within the family. Available records indicate limited observational data, with 15 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Melanichneumon honestus
Melanichneumon honestus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was described by Cresson in 1867. The genus Melanichneumon belongs to a diverse group of parasitoid wasps characterized by their elongated bodies and long antennae. Like other ichneumonids, this species likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species remain limited.
Melanips
Melanips is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Figitidae. These wasps are solitary endoparasitoids that target fly larvae, with documented association to Leucotaraxis piniperda, a silver fly used as a biological control agent for hemlock woolly adelgid. Research indicates a preference for this host species, though the specificity of this relationship remains under investigation. The genus has been recorded in Europe and is implicated in biocontrol programs in North America.
Melanophora
woodlouse flies
Melanophora is a genus of small parasitoid flies commonly known as woodlouse flies. Species are internal parasitoids of terrestrial isopods (woodlice), with larvae developing inside and eventually killing their hosts. The genus has a broad distribution across multiple biogeographic regions, including native Palaearctic and Afrotropical ranges and introduced populations in the Nearctic and Neotropics. Adults are typically active from spring through autumn and are often observed resting on light-coloured vertical surfaces.
Melanophrys flavipennis
Melanophrys flavipennis is a species of tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) described by Williston in 1886. The genus name "Melanophrys" derives from Greek roots meaning "black-browed," while the specific epithet "flavipennis" refers to yellow wings. As a tachinid, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains sparse.
Meledonus latipennis
Meledonus latipennis is a species of tachinid fly described by Aldrich in 1926. The species is known from California and is part of the subfamily Dexiinae within the family Tachinidae. As a member of this family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented.
Melittobia
Melittobia is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, notable for extreme polymorphism, complex social behaviors, and highly female-biased sex ratios. Females exhibit three distinct morphs—winged 'fliers,' short-winged 'jumpers,' and wingless 'crawlers'—determined by larval density rather than genetics. Males are blind, flightless, and comprise only about 5% of offspring, produced asexually through arrhenotokous parthenogenesis. The genus attacks prepupae and pupae of solitary bees, wasps, and other insects in their hosts' nests, with some species also parasitizing fruit flies and flesh flies. Several species are well-studied model organisms for genetics, developmental biology, and behavioral ecology, though taxonomic confusion persists due to extreme morphological plasticity.
Meloe americanus
Buttercup Oil Beetle, American Oil Beetle
Meloe americanus is a flightless blister beetle native to North America, commonly known as the buttercup oil beetle or American oil beetle. Adults are entirely black with occasional blue metallic iridescence, measuring 7–17 mm in length. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with triungulin larvae employing phoresy to reach host bee nests where they develop as parasites. Adults are active during late autumn through early spring, with peak emergence in December and April. The beetle is notable for its chemical defense: it secretes cantharidin, a potent blistering agent toxic to mammals at high concentrations.
Menkokia
Menkokia is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Heinrich in 1934. The genus contains four described species: M. blandii, M. major, M. minor, and M. minorisimilis. As members of Ichneumonidae, these wasps are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Menkokia remain undocumented. The genus appears to be rarely collected, with minimal observational records available.
Menkokia blandii
Menkokia blandii is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1864. The genus Menkokia is a small and poorly known group within the diverse ichneumonid fauna. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only 7 records on iNaturalist as of the source data. Its biology and ecology remain largely unstudied.
Merismus
Merismus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, established by Walker in 1833. Members of this genus are placed in the tribe Sphegigastrini within the subfamily Miscogastrinae. The genus is part of the diverse chalcidoid wasp superfamily, which contains numerous species that parasitize other insects. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases.