Parasitoid
Guides
Anisopteromalus
Genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, comprising species that attack larvae of stored-product beetles. Species within this genus are ectoparasitoids, with females laying eggs on host larvae concealed inside grains or other substrates. The genus includes at least two morphologically similar sibling species, A. calandrae and A. quinarius, that require molecular or cytogenetic methods for reliable identification. Members of this genus have been investigated as biological control agents against pests of stored grain.
Anomalon picticorne
Anomalon picticorne is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Anomaloninae. The species was described by Viereck in 1912. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. The species is known from North America based on museum specimens and citizen science observations.
Anomaloninae
Anomaloninae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. Members are slender, ranging from small to large, and typically black or brownish with yellow markings on the face and legs. The subfamily is divided into two tribes: Anomalonini, which parasitize Coleoptera larvae (Tenebrionidae and Elateridae) and some Lepidoptera larvae (Noctuidae and Tortricidae), and Gravenhorstiini, which parasitize Lepidoptera larvae. They are distinguished from other ichneumonid subfamilies by a highly reticulated propodeum, slender metasoma, fore wing with vein 3 rs-m absent, and swollen hind tarsi in males.
Anomalonini
Anomalonini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Anomaloninae. The tribe is dominated by the large genus *Anomalon*, with *Neogreeneia* sometimes recognized as a second genus. Members are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. The tribe contains approximately 5,600+ documented observations, indicating moderate research attention.
Anoplius
Blue-black Spider Wasps
Anoplius is a large genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as the blue-black spider wasps. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed across multiple subgenera, with approximately 26 species occurring in Colorado alone. Most species are characterized by predominantly black or blue-black coloration, making field identification challenging without close examination. Members of this genus are solitary hunters that prey primarily on spiders, with most species specializing on wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and some exhibiting broader prey preferences.
Anoplius americanus ambiguus
Anoplius americanus ambiguus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. As a member of the genus Anoplius, it belongs to a diverse group of solitary wasps that prey primarily on spiders. The subspecies was described by Dahlbom in 1845. Like other Anoplius species, it likely exhibits the characteristic behaviors of digging burrows, paralyzing spider prey, and provisioning nests for larval development.
Anoplius americanus trifasciatus
Anoplius americanus trifasciatus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. As part of the genus Anoplius, it shares the general biology of spider wasps: females hunt spiders, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows as food for their larvae. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the widespread A. americanus species complex. Like other Anoplius species, it is solitary and predatory, with adults likely visiting flowers for nectar.
Anoplius apiculatus
spider wasp
Anoplius apiculatus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is a solitary wasp that preys on spiders, specifically known to hunt the Beach Wolf Spider (Arctosa littoralis). The species is part of the diverse genus Anoplius, which contains numerous spider wasp species across North America. Like other members of its genus, females dig burrows and provision them with paralyzed spiders as food for their developing larvae.
Anoplius carolinus
Spider Wasp
Anoplius carolinus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Banks in 1921. The genus Anoplius comprises spider wasps that hunt wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) and other wandering spiders to provision nests for their larvae. Like other members of the genus, this species likely exhibits the characteristic behaviors of digging burrows, paralyzing prey with venom, and laying a single egg on the immobilized spider. The specific epithet 'carolinus' suggests a connection to the Carolinas or southeastern United States, though detailed distributional records are sparse.
Anoplius ithaca
Anoplius ithaca is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Very little specific information is available for this species. Based on its classification within the genus Anoplius, it likely shares the general biology of other members of this genus: females hunt spiders, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows as food for their larvae. The species was described by Nathan Banks in 1912.
Anoplius nigritus
Anoplius nigritus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. As a member of the genus Anoplius, it shares the general biology of other spider wasps in this group: females hunt spiders, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows as food for their developing larvae. The species has been recorded from Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul) and Argentina, placing it in the southern Neotropical region. Specific details about its appearance, host preferences, and behavior remain poorly documented in available literature.
Anoplius semirufus
Anoplius semirufus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. As a member of the genus Anoplius, it belongs to a diverse group of solitary wasps that prey primarily on spiders. The species name 'semirufus' (half-red) suggests distinctive reddish coloration on part of the body, likely the abdomen. Like other Anoplius species, it is presumed to hunt wolf spiders or similar ground-dwelling spiders, paralyzing them with venom to provision underground nest cells for its larvae.
Anoplius splendens
Anoplius splendens is a spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that adult females exhibit olfactory learning behavior, specifically learning to associate the odor of host spider feces with the presence of suitable hosts. This cognitive ability enhances their efficiency in locating host microhabitats. The species was described by Dreisbach in 1949.
Anoplius subcylindricus
Anoplius subcylindricus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It belongs to a diverse genus of solitary wasps that prey primarily on spiders. Like other members of Anoplius, this species exhibits the characteristic behaviors of spider wasps: females hunt spiders, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows with these paralyzed prey for their larval offspring. The species was described by Nathan Banks in 1917.
Anoplius virginiensis
Virginia Blue-black Spider Wasp
Anoplius virginiensis is a spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Members of the genus Anoplius are solitary wasps that prey on spiders, paralyzing them with venom to serve as food for their larvae. The species was described by Cresson in 1867 and is known from limited observations.
Anteon nebulosum
Anteon nebulosum is a species of dryinid wasp in the family Dryinidae, a group of solitary parasitoid wasps. Members of the genus Anteon are known to parasitize leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), with females typically possessing raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing hosts. The specific epithet "nebulosum" suggests a cloudy or indistinct appearance, though detailed species-level documentation remains limited. Like other dryinids, this species likely plays a role in regulating leafhopper populations in natural ecosystems.
Anteon puncticeps
Anteon puncticeps is a species of dryinid wasp in the family Dryinidae, first described by Ashmead in 1893. The genus Anteon comprises parasitoid wasps that target planthoppers and leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing hosts. Like other dryinids, A. puncticeps likely exhibits the family's typical biology of larval parasitoidism, with females using modified forelegs to grasp hosts while ovipositing. The species is represented in museum collections, including slide-mounted specimens at the University of California, Riverside Entomology Research Museum.
Anteoninae
Anteoninae is a large subfamily of Dryinidae wasps comprising five extant genera: Anteon, Deinodryinus, Lonchodryinus, Metanteon, and Prioranteon. Members are parasitoids of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), with females possessing raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing hosts. Larvae develop externally on host thorax or between metathorax and abdomen, eventually forming soil-covered cocoons in the ground.
Anthracinae
bee flies
Anthracinae is a subfamily of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising more than 80 genera and at least 380 described species. The subfamily includes well-known genera such as Anthrax and Hyperalonia, many of which are parasitoids of other insects. Larval stages are typically endoparasites or ectoparasites of soil-dwelling hosts including tiger beetles, ground-nesting bees, and wasps. Adult flies are often bee-mimics in appearance and are commonly observed hovering or feeding at flowers.
Anthracini
Anthracini is a tribe of bee flies within the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The tribe contains at least nine genera, with Anthrax being the most species-rich and well-studied. Members are primarily known as parasitoids, with larvae developing on or within host insects. The Australian fauna has been extensively revised, revealing substantial cryptic species diversity previously hidden under single species names.
Anthrax albofasciatus
Anthrax albofasciatus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Anthrax comprises parasitoid flies whose larvae attack immature stages of other insects, including tiger beetle larvae and solitary bee larvae. Adults are typically observed at flowers where they feed on nectar using an elongated proboscis. The species has a broad distribution across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Anthrax argyropygus
Anthrax argyropygus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, characterized by its parasitoid lifestyle. The genus Anthrax contains species known to attack the larvae of ground-nesting insects, including tiger beetles and solitary bees. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar, where their hairy bodies inadvertently collect and transfer pollen. The species name 'argyropygus' refers to the silvery appearance of the abdomen. Like other bee flies, this species exhibits Batesian mimicry of bees, possessing a single pair of wings and a long proboscis adapted for nectar feeding.
Anthrax artemesia
Anthrax artemesia is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1963. It belongs to the genus Anthrax, a diverse group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop as ectoparasites on various host insects. Most Anthrax species for which hosts are known parasitize the larvae of ground-nesting Hymenoptera or, in some cases, tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae). The specific biology of A. artemesia remains poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. analis and A. georgicus.
Anthrax aterrimus
Anthrax aterrimus is a bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The larval stage has been documented as an external parasite on the pre-pupal or pupal stages of the mason wasp Monobia quadridens. As with other members of the genus Anthrax, adults likely visit flowers for nectar. The species was described by Bigot in 1892.
Anthrax atriplex
Anthrax atriplex is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1970. Members of the genus Anthrax are parasitoid flies whose larvae develop on or within host insects. The genus is notably associated with tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelinae) and other ground-nesting insects. Adult bee flies typically visit flowers for nectar and serve as pollinators, though their larval biology involves parasitism of other arthropods.
Anthrax cintalpa
Anthrax cintalpa is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. Like other members of the genus Anthrax, it is a parasitoid whose larvae develop on or within the bodies of other insects. The genus Anthrax is notable for including species that parasitize tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae), solitary bees, and other ground-nesting insects. Adults are typically seen visiting flowers for nectar.
Anthrax daphne
Anthrax daphne is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1886. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the parasitoid lifestyle typical of the group, with larvae that attack immature stages of other insects. Adults are presumably nectar-feeding and may exhibit bee-mimicking appearance and behavior common to bee flies.
Anthrax georgicus
Tiger Bee Fly
Anthrax georgicus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active in spring and are known for their parasitoid relationship with tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae), specifically attaching externally to host larvae and consuming them as they develop. The species was previously known as Anthrax analis but is now recognized as A. georgicus based on taxonomic revision.
Anthrax irroratus
Spotted Bee Fly
Anthrax irroratus is a bee fly (family Bombyliidae) widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska and northern Canada to Central America and the Caribbean. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of solitary bees and wasps in at least five families. The species is one of numerous bee flies that exploit ground-nesting Hymenoptera as hosts.
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larrea
Anthrax larrea is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1963. It is recorded from the United States. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the general biology of related species, which are parasitoids of various insect larvae, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented.
Anthrax nigriventris
Anthrax nigriventris is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Marston in 1970. The species is characterized by its dark ventral coloration, as indicated by the specific epithet 'nigriventris' (meaning 'black-bellied'). Like other members of the genus Anthrax, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of ground-nesting insects, though specific host records for this species have not been documented. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Cuba.
Anthrax striatipennis
Anthrax striatipennis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1970. It is recorded from the southeastern United States. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the parasitoid life history typical of the genus, where larvae develop as ectoparasites on other insects.
Anthrax varicolor
Anthrax varicolor is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Anthrax comprises parasitoid flies whose larvae are known to attack various host insects. Most Anthrax species are parasitoids of ground-nesting insects, including solitary bees and tiger beetle larvae. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar.
Anthrax vierecki
Anthrax vierecki is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Cresson in 1919. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies whose larvae are known to attack the larvae of other insects, including tiger beetles and solitary bees. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation and parasitic life history strategies.
Anticheta melanosoma
Anticheta melanosoma is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, described by Melander in 1920. The genus Anticheta belongs to the tribe Tetanocerini, a group known for larvae that are predators or parasitoids of freshwater snails. The specific epithet "melanosoma" refers to the dark body coloration characteristic of this species. Records indicate this species occurs in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Aoplus
Aoplus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Tischbein in 1874. The genus contains species distributed across Europe and North America, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As ichneumonids, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain largely undocumented in the provided sources.
Aoplus thujarum
Aoplus thujarum is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. It belongs to the large parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae. The species name "thujarum" suggests an association with Thuja (arborvitae or cedar) trees, likely indicating host plant or habitat specificity. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only one record in iNaturalist.
Apanteles diacrisiae
Apanteles diacrisiae is a species of braconid wasp described by Risbec in 1951. According to GBIF and Catalogue of Life records, this name is currently treated as a synonym of Apanteles bambeytriplus. The genus Apanteles belongs to the subfamily Microgastrinae, a diverse group of small parasitoid wasps (typically 1-5 mm) that are among the most common parasitoids recovered from caterpillars. Species in this genus are known to parasitize lepidopteran larvae, with many showing high host specificity.
Apechthis ontario
Apechthis ontario is a species of ichneumonid wasp first described by Cresson in 1870. The species belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps. Distribution records indicate presence in western Canada, with specimens documented from Alberta and Manitoba. Like other members of its family, this species is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in the available literature.
Aperileptus
Aperileptus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Arnold Förster in 1869. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution. Two species are currently recognized: Aperileptus albipalpus and Aperileptus impurus. As ichneumonids, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Aphaereta
Aphaereta is a cosmopolitan genus of braconid wasps in the tribe Alysiini, comprising approximately 48 described species worldwide. Members are endoparasitoids of Diptera, with documented associations including dung-breeding flies, blow flies, shore flies, and fruit flies. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania. Several species have been studied for their potential in biological control programs targeting pest flies.
Aphanistes
Aphanistes is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Förster in 1869. These parasitoid wasps are poorly documented in public literature, with most records coming from taxonomic databases rather than ecological studies. The genus is currently accepted but lacks comprehensive species-level documentation.
Aphanogmus
Aphanogmus is a genus of minute ceraphronid wasps erected by Thomson in 1858. The genus contains at least 90 described species distributed worldwide. Species are primarily parasitoids of Ichneumonoidea and Cecidomyiidae, with some functioning as hyperparasitoids through bethylid wasps. Several species have been documented emerging from hosts used in commercial biological control programs, where they may disrupt pest management efforts.
Aphelinidae
Aphelinidae is a family of minute parasitic wasps containing approximately 1,100-1,160 described species across 34-35 genera. These tiny insects are among the most important biological control agents used in agriculture, particularly for managing scale insects, whiteflies, and other Hemiptera. The family was formerly paraphyletic, leading to the recent elevation of Azotidae, Calesidae, and Eriaporidae to family rank. Specimens deteriorate rapidly after death unless preserved in ethanol, making museum identification challenging.
Aphelininae
Aphelininae is a subfamily of minute parasitic wasps in the family Aphelinidae (order Hymenoptera). Members are primarily parasitoids of scale insects, whiteflies, and other Hemiptera, with some species serving as important biological control agents. The subfamily was established by Thomson in 1876. Some genera historically placed in Aphelininae have been subject to taxonomic revision, with certain species formerly classified here now reassigned to other families such as Eulophidae.
Aphelinus mali
woolly aphid parasite
Aphelinus mali is a tiny parasitoid wasp in the family Aphelinidae that specializes in attacking the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), a major pest of apple orchards worldwide. Native to the northeastern United States, it has been introduced to numerous apple-growing regions as a biological control agent since 1928. The wasp's life cycle is tightly coupled with its aphid host, with females laying eggs inside living aphids where larvae develop before emerging as adults. It is considered one of the earliest and most successful examples of classical biological control in agriculture.
Aphelopus
Aphelopus is a genus of dryinid wasps described by Dalman in 1823. Species are parasitoids of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), particularly typhlocybine leafhoppers, and are considered important natural enemies with potential for biological control in agricultural systems. The genus is relatively diverse, with 39 species recorded from China alone and a cosmopolitan distribution. Identification relies on wing venation characteristics and head morphology including clypeal structures.
Aphelopus albopictus
A parasitoid wasp in the family Dryinidae studied primarily in grape vineyards for its role as a biological control agent of leafhopper pests. Research has focused on its abundance, parasitism rates, and spatial distribution relative to leafhopper host populations in agricultural settings.
Aphelopus varicornis
Aphelopus varicornis is a species of dryinid wasp in the family Dryinidae, a group of parasitoid wasps known for attacking leafhoppers and planthoppers. The genus Aphelopus is characterized by females possessing raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing hosts. This species belongs to a family widely used in biological control programs targeting agricultural pest leafhoppers.
Aphidiinae
Aphid Mummy Wasps
Aphidiinae is a subfamily of Braconidae comprising approximately 400 species in 50 genera worldwide. These wasps are koinobiont endoparasitoids that develop exclusively within aphid hosts, with larvae consuming the host from the inside. Most species pupate inside the dead aphid, though members of the tribe Praini exit below to form external volcano-like cocoons. The group is economically significant for biological control of aphid pests in agriculture and horticulture.