Parasitoid
Guides
Brachymeria podagrica
Brachymeria podagrica is a cosmopolitan parasitoid wasp in the family Chalcididae, known from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, and multiple other regions worldwide. The species is a solitary idiobiont parasitoid of dipteran pupae, particularly flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) and blow flies (Calliphoridae). It has been documented attacking Sarcodexia lambens, Peckia collusor, Hemilucilia flavifacies, Chrysomya albiceps, and Sarcophaga dux, among other hosts. Development from egg to adult emergence takes approximately 20–27 days under favorable conditions, with overwintering generations requiring 155–180 days. Adults are commonly observed near aphid colonies feeding on honeydew, and occasionally visit flowers such as wild carrot. The species has forensic significance due to its predictable emergence from fly pupae on decomposing corpses.
Brachymeria tegularis
Brachymeria tegularis is a small parasitic wasp in the family Chalcididae, originally described from North America by Cresson in 1872. The genus Brachymeria comprises approximately 26 species in North America, with members typically ranging 3-6 mm in length. Species in this genus function as both primary and secondary parasitoids, attacking larvae of Lepidoptera and muscoid flies, with adults emerging from host pupae. The distinctive 'thunder thighs'—greatly swollen hind femora with bowed tibiae—are characteristic of the family and aid in rapid escape from danger.
Brachyserphus
Brachyserphus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Proctotrupidae, established by Hellén in 1941. The genus occurs in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. A 2019 taxonomic revision documented North American species, recording B. acuticaudatus in Canada for the first time and excluding B. parvulus from the Nearctic fauna. Species-level identification requires examination of subtle morphological characters.
Brachyserphus abruptus
Brachyserphus abruptus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Proctotrupidae, a group of small wasps that attack beetle larvae. The genus Brachyserphus is distinguished by reduced wing venation and compact body form. Very few observations of this species exist, reflecting its cryptic habits and likely specialized ecological requirements.
Brachyserphus lucens
Brachyserphus lucens is a species of proctotrupid wasp in the family Proctotrupidae. Proctotrupids are small, often dark-colored parasitoid wasps that develop within the bodies of other insects. Members of the genus Brachyserphus are associated with beetle hosts, particularly those in the families Staphylinidae and Scarabaeidae. The species name "lucens" (meaning "shining" or "bright") likely refers to its cuticular luster.
Bracon
Bracon is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, with several hundred described species and thousands remaining undescribed. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with the greatest diversity of described species occurring in the Palearctic region. Members of this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, developing inside living hosts while allowing them to continue feeding and growing until the wasp larvae are mature. The genus has been extensively studied for its potential in biological control of agricultural pests.
Bracon mellitor
Bracon mellitor is a braconid parasitoid wasp specialized on weevils in the genus Anthonomus, particularly the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis), a major cotton pest. It is native to North America, occurring from South Dakota and Texas eastward. The species has been extensively studied for its potential in biological control programs, with research spanning its developmental biology, host relationships, oviposition behavior, and responses to insecticides. Females are ectoparasitoids that attack host larvae and pupae, and the species exhibits associative learning in response to chemical cues.
Braconidae
braconid wasps, braconids
Braconidae is a family of parasitoid wasps, the second-largest family in Hymenoptera with approximately 17,000 described species and estimates of 30,000–50,000 total species. Members are primarily internal or external parasitoids of other insects, with larvae developing in or on hosts including caterpillars, beetle larvae, aphids, and other insects. Many species possess polydnaviruses—virus-like particles derived from ancient viral integration—that suppress host immune defenses. The family is divided into about 47 subfamilies, informally grouped into cyclostomes and noncyclostomes based on mouthpart morphology. Braconids are economically significant as biological control agents against agricultural and forestry pests.
Braconinae
Braconinae is a large subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps comprising more than 2,000 described species. Members are small to medium-sized wasps, typically dark in coloration though some exhibit red, orange, or pale coloration. They possess cyclostome mouthparts and females usually have a long ovipositor. The subfamily is found worldwide with highest diversity in the Paleotropical region.
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Brasema allynii is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Eupelmidae, a group of small parasitic wasps. The species was described by French in 1882. Eupelmids are generally known as parasitoids of insect eggs and larvae, though specific host records for this species remain limited. It has been documented across several Canadian provinces and in Hawaii.
Brasema gemmarii
Brasema gemmarii is a North American eupelmid wasp species associated with oak gall wasps (Cynipini). It was first described by Ashmead in 1886. Recent research has expanded its known distribution within the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of cynipid gall wasps, though specific host records for this species were not detailed in the available source.
Brasema leucothysana
Brasema leucothysana is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eupelmidae, described by Gibson in 1995. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose members attack the eggs or larvae of other insects. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the eastern and central United States.
Brasema rhadinosa
Brasema rhadinosa is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Eupelmidae, described by Gibson in 1995. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps associated with insect hosts. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the southeastern and eastern United States.
Brassicogethes
pollen beetles
Brassicogethes is a genus of pollen beetles in the family Nitidulidae, subfamily Meligethinae. Species in this genus are primarily associated with Brassicaceae plants, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of oilseed rape (canola). The most economically important species is Brassicogethes aeneus, which causes substantial yield losses in oilseed rape crops across Europe. The genus was established in 2009, with species previously classified under Meligethes.
Brassicogethes aeneus
common pollen beetle, rape pollen beetle, rape blossom beetle
Brassicogethes aeneus is a small pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae and a major pest of oilseed rape (canola) and other Brassica crops across Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Adults are 2–3 mm long, metallic black with greenish reflections, while larvae reach 3 mm and are white with brown sclerotized plates. The species causes significant economic damage through adult feeding and oviposition in flower buds, which can lead to bud abortion and yield losses up to 80% in spring oilseed rape. It was previously classified under the genus Meligethes. Populations show low genetic structure across Europe, indicating substantial gene flow, and are subject to biological control by hymenopteran parasitoids.
Bruchophagus
seed chalcid, gall wasp
Bruchophagus is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eurytomidae. Species within this genus are primarily seed-feeders, developing in the seeds of plants in the Fabaceae family, though some species form galls on citrus or other hosts. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and includes economically significant pests such as the alfalfa seed chalcid (B. roddi) and citrus gall wasp (B. fellis). Recent phylogenomic studies indicate the genus is paraphyletic.
Bruchus affinis
seed beetle
Bruchus affinis is a univoltine seed beetle native to the western Palaearctic Region, first recorded in North America in Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Québec) before 2007. It was likely introduced via imported Lathyrus seeds for planting. The species develops inside seeds of Lathyrus species, with adults feeding on pollen and nectar. Development from egg to adult requires approximately 60 days. The parasitoid Dinarmus basalis has been recorded causing about 10% mortality in Canadian populations.
Buathra laborator
Buathra laborator is a large, conspicuous ichneumonid wasp (Darwin wasp) in the subfamily Cryptinae, common and widespread across Britain. Both sexes are predominantly black with red legs; females possess a long ovipositor, while males display distinctive white facial markings and white hind tarsus. The species is frequently observed in open areas on flowers during its April–August flight period. Despite its abundance and visibility, it has never been successfully reared in Europe, and its host associations remain poorly documented.
Burkseus
Burkseus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, described by Perry in 2019. The genus belongs to the subfamily Eulophinae, a diverse group of small chalcid wasps that parasitize other insects. As a recently described genus, Burkseus is known from limited collection records in northern Europe, including Norway and Sweden. The genus represents part of the ongoing taxonomic refinement within the hyperdiverse Chalcidoidea.
Burkseus robustus
Burkseus robustus is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eulophidae, described by Perry in 2019. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Records indicate this species has been documented in Costa Rica (Alajuela province), Colombia (Boyacá department), and Canada. As a member of Eulophidae, it likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Caenocholax
Caenocholax is a genus of twisted-winged insects (Strepsiptera) in the family Myrmecolacidae, comprising approximately nine described species. Members are endoparasitoids of ants, with documented associations including Solenopsis invicta and Camponotus planatus. The genus exhibits the extreme sexual dimorphism characteristic of Strepsiptera: males are free-living with reduced forewings and large fan-shaped hindwings, while females remain endoparasitic and neotenic within the host.
Caenocholax fenyesi
Caenocholax fenyesi is a strepsipteran parasitoid in the family Myrmecolacidae, notable for extreme sexual dimorphism and heterotrophic heteronomy—males and females occupy different hosts throughout their life cycles. Females are endoparasites of Orthoptera, while males parasitize ant larvae and pupae, primarily Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant) in the United States and related native fire ants in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. The species has a sporadic distribution across the southern United States, Central America, and South America, with three recognized cryptic subspecies that are morphologically similar but genetically distinct. Adult males are free-living with a lifespan of only hours to a few days, severely constraining dispersal and contributing to genetic bottlenecking effects.
Caenochrysis deversor
Caenochrysis deversor is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. The genus Caenochrysis comprises small, brilliantly metallic wasps that are parasitoids of other insects. Members of this genus are known to parasitize larvae of various hymenopteran hosts, particularly other wasps. The species was documented in the southwestern United States during field observations in ponderosa pine forests.
Caliadurgus fasciatellus
Blotchwing Spider Wasp
Caliadurgus fasciatellus is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, subfamily Pepsinae. It ranges from Western Europe to the Far East of Asia. The species hunts orb-weaving spiders, paralyzes them, and provisions underground burrows for its larval offspring. It was historically confused with Priocnemis hyalinata due to taxonomic errors regarding type species designations.
Calliephialtes grapholithae
Calliephialtes grapholithae is an ichneumonid parasitoid wasp that primarily parasitizes concealed lepidopteran larvae. Its most extensively documented host is Cydia caryana (Tortricidae), a key pest of pecan orchards in Mexico and the southern United States. The species has been recorded from pecan-growing regions in Coahuila and Tamaulipas, Mexico, and from Kansas, USA. A potential additional host association involves Chalcoela iphitalis (Crambidae), a moth whose larvae prey on paper wasp larvae within nests; this relationship requires independent confirmation.
Callihormius stigmatus
Callihormius stigmatus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by Marsh in 1966. The genus Callihormius belongs to a group of braconid wasps characterized by distinctive wing venation patterns. Like other members of Braconidae, this species is presumed to be a koinobiont parasitoid, developing within a living host. Published biological data for this species remain extremely limited.
Callirhytis congregata
sausage flower gall wasp
Callirhytis congregata is a cynipid gall wasp native to California that induces distinctive galls on the catkins of three oak species: coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), and canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). The species was originally described by William Harris Ashmead in 1896 under the genus Andricus. It is considered locally common within its range. The galls are described as rugose, yellowish-brown woody swellings with multiple cells, appearing to grow from the tips of slender twigs with a long peduncle-like base.
Callirhytis ellipsoida
Callirhytis ellipsoida is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, it induces the formation of galls on oak hosts. The species exhibits the typical complex life cycle of oak cynipids, with alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce morphologically distinct galls.
Callirhytis juvenca
Callirhytis juvenca is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, it induces galls on oak hosts (Quercus species). The species exhibits the typical complex life cycle of cynipid gall wasps, with alternating sexual and asexual generations that often produce morphologically distinct galls. Specific details regarding its host associations and gall morphology remain limited in published literature.
Callirhytis rugulosa
Callirhytis rugulosa is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of this family, it induces the formation of galls on host plants, though specific gall morphology and host associations for this species are not well documented in available sources. The species belongs to a genus predominantly associated with oak galls.
Callirhytis seminosa
Callirhytis seminosa is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, this species induces galls on oak hosts (Quercus spp.). The genus Callirhytis is known for forming distinct galls on oaks, with different species typically associated with specific oak species or gall morphologies. The specific epithet "seminosa" suggests a possible association with seed or acorn-related structures, though this remains speculative without direct observation.
Calliscelio
Calliscelio is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Scelionidae, comprising 97 described species worldwide. The genus was erected by Ashmead in 1893. Members are egg parasitoids of crickets (Gryllidae), with at least one species, C. elegans, recognized as a widespread "tramp species" likely dispersed by human commerce.
Calliscelio rubiclavus
Calliscelio rubiclavus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Scelionidae. Members of this genus are egg parasitoids, primarily targeting the eggs of Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids). The species was described in the 20th century as part of taxonomic revisions of the genus Calliscelio. Like other scelionids, it likely plays a role in regulating orthopteran populations.
Caloptilia fraxinella
Ash Leaf Cone Roller, Ash Leaf Cone Roller Moth
Caloptilia fraxinella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Native to North America, it has become a significant pest of horticultural ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in Canadian Prairie cities and parts of the United States. The species exhibits an unusual life history with a 9-month adult reproductive diapause; adults eclose in summer, overwinter, and mate the following spring. Larvae mine ash leaves and eventually roll leaflets into cones for pupation.
Calosota
Calosota is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eupelmidae, subfamily Calosotinae. The genus was established by Curtis in 1836. Species in this genus are parasitoids, with at least one species, Calosota elongata, documented as a parasitoid of wood-boring beetles.
Calotelea
Calotelea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Scelionidae, first described by Westwood in 1837. Members of this genus are part of the diverse platygastroid wasp fauna, which are primarily egg parasitoids of insects and other arthropods. The genus is represented by only a handful of observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is either genuinely rare, undercollected, or restricted to specific habitats. As with other scelionids, species in this genus likely play important roles in regulating populations of their hosts through parasitism.
Campoctonus
Campoctonus is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Viereck in 1912. The genus belongs to the diverse parasitoid wasp lineage within Hymenoptera. As of current records, the genus has been rarely documented, with only three observations on iNaturalist. Species in this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, consistent with the biology of their family, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Campoletis
Campoletis is a genus of ichneumonid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Campopleginae, established by Förster in 1869. Species are cosmopolitan in distribution and function as endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae. The genus includes notable species such as C. sonorensis, which has been extensively studied as a model system for host-parasitoid interactions and polydnavirus biology.
Campoletis sonorensis
Campoletis sonorensis is a parasitoid ichneumonid wasp distributed across much of the Americas, including the United States, Brazil, and Chile. It is a generalist endoparasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera exigua, Helicoverpa species, Chrysodeixis includens, and Heliothis virescens. The species employs sophisticated immune evasion strategies involving a mutualistic polydnavirus (Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus, CsIV) and ovarian proteins that suppress host hemocyte function and prevent encapsulation. It has been extensively studied as a model system for host-parasitoid interactions, host selection behavior, and biological control potential.
Campoplex
Campoplex is a genus of ichneumonid parasitic wasps in the tribe Campoplegini. Species are larval endoparasitoids with narrow host ranges, primarily targeting lepidopteran pests. Several species have been investigated for biological control of agricultural pests, particularly in vineyards. The genus is taxonomically challenging, with species historically difficult to distinguish due to inadequate descriptions.
Campoplex frustranae
Campoplex frustranae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Cushman in 1927. It belongs to the subfamily Campopleginae, a group of parasitoid wasps that develop inside host insects. The specific epithet "frustranae" suggests an association with the genus Frusana (a genus of tortricid moths), though this relationship has not been confirmed in published literature. Like other Campoplex species, it likely parasitizes lepidopteran larvae. The species is rarely collected and poorly known.
Campsomerini
mammoth wasps
Campsomerini is a cosmopolitan tribe within the family Scoliidae (Hymenoptera), currently classified under subfamily Scoliinae. Members are commonly known as mammoth wasps. The tribe's higher-level taxonomy has been unstable, having been treated historically as subfamily Campsomerinae before being demoted to tribal status. Recent phylogenetic studies using ultraconserved element (UCE) data support Campsomerini sensu stricto (excluding Colpa and allies) as monophyletic, with the Australasian genus Trisciloa as sister to remaining members.
Camptopsilus
Camptopsilus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Diapriidae, first described by Kieffer in 1908. The genus is currently considered doubtful in taxonomic status, suggesting uncertainty regarding its validity or placement. Members of Diapriidae are generally small, slender wasps that develop as parasitoids of various insects, particularly flies and beetles. The genus is represented by very few observations, with only 17 records documented on iNaturalist.
Cantharoctonus
Cantharoctonus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Viereck in 1912. Members of this genus are part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna, which are primarily known for their role as parasitoids of other insects. The genus is placed within the subfamily-level grouping of Braconidae, though its precise phylogenetic position within the family requires further study. As with many braconid genera, species-level diversity and biology remain poorly documented.
Carcelia
Carcelia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising over 100 described species distributed across multiple subgenera. Species within this genus are larval parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented hosts including noctuid moths, geometrid moths, lymantriid moths, and notodontid moths. Several species have been studied for their potential in biological control of agricultural and forestry pests, including Carcelia iliaca, which achieves parasitism rates of approximately 80% on the invasive oak processionary moth in the United Kingdom. The genus exhibits life cycle adaptations including generation synchronization with host populations and diapause strategies.
Carcelia amplexa
Carcelia amplexa is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1897. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, with females depositing eggs or larvae on or near host insects. The species is native to North America. Like other Carcelia species, it likely targets lepidopteran larvae as hosts, though specific host records for C. amplexa remain limited in published literature.
Cardiochiles
Cardiochiles is a genus of braconid wasps with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Species are larval endoparasitoids, primarily attacking lepidopteran hosts. The genus includes economically significant species used in biological control, particularly against noctuid pests in agricultural systems.
Cardiochilinae
Cardiochilinae is a subfamily of braconid wasps comprising approximately 20 genera and 220+ species. Members are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera caterpillars. Females inject polydnavirus during oviposition to manipulate host immune response. Some species, notably Toxoneuron nigriceps, have been employed in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
Casinaria
Casinaria is a genus of koinobiont endoparasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Holmgren in 1859. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with over 150 described species. Members are primarily parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with some species documented attacking specific host moths including geometrids and noctuids. Several species have been reared from forest pest species, suggesting potential value in biological control programs.
Catadelphops nasutus
Catadelphops nasutus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae. It was described by Heinrich in 1962 from specimens collected in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona. The species name "nasutus" refers to the distinctive bipartite swelling on the clypeus. The genus Catadelphops was erected by Heinrich based on this single species, with females characterized by being amblypygous—having a very short ovipositor and broad subgenital plate.