Parasitoid
Guides
Catharosia
Catharosia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Rondani in 1868. The genus comprises approximately twelve described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Species within this genus are classified in the tribe Catharosiini within the subfamily Phasiinae.
Catharosia nebulosa
Catharosia nebulosa is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was originally described as Sciasma nebulosa by Coquillett in 1897. The species belongs to the subfamily Phasiinae and tribe Catharosiini. As a tachinid fly, it is likely a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in the available literature.
Celatoria
Celatoria is a genus of tachinid flies whose larvae are parasitoids of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly Diabrotica species and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum). The genus includes both New World species with documented host associations in cucurbit and maize agroecosystems.
Cenocoeliinae
Cenocoeliinae is a subfamily of braconid wasps comprising medium-sized parasitoids (3-11 mm). They are distinguished by the high attachment of the metasoma on the propodeum, contrasting with most braconids where attachment occurs just above the hind coxa. Members are non-cyclostome and possess relatively large heads, often with darkly colored wings. Females have long ovipositors adapted for reaching hosts concealed within plant tissues. The group has been documented as koinobiont endoparasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids, curculionids, buprestids, and scolytines.
Cenocoelius
Cenocoelius is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Cenocoeliinae. Species with documented life histories are koinobiont parasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae. The genus is relatively poorly known, with few observations and limited geographic records.
Centrodora
Centrodora is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 60 described species. The genus is notable for being the most polyphagous within Aphelinidae, with species attacking eggs of insects across multiple orders including Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera, as well as pupae of Diptera and nymphs of Hemiptera. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for crop and forest pests, including C. darwini and C. scolytivorae. The genus exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with some species groups potentially warranting elevation to separate genera.
Cephalonomia
Cephalonomia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Bethylidae, containing over 20 described species. Species within this genus are primarily known as biological control agents targeting beetle pests in stored grain and agricultural systems. C. stephanoderis is extensively used against the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) in coffee-producing regions, while C. waterstoni and C. tarsalis target stored product beetles such as Laemophloeus ferrugineus and Oryzaephilus surinamensis. These wasps exhibit idiobiont parasitoid biology, with females attacking host larvae or pupae.
Cephalonomia waterstoni
parasitic grain wasp, rusty grain beetlewasp
Cephalonomia waterstoni is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae that attacks larvae and pupae of stored-product beetles, particularly the rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus, formerly Laemophloeus ferrugineus). It is an ectoparasitoid that paralyzes host larvae before laying eggs on them. The species has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent in grain storage facilities. Development is rapid, with the life cycle completing in approximately two weeks at 30°C and three weeks at 25°C.
Cephalops
A genus of small flies in the family Pipunculidae with cosmopolitan distribution. Species are known to be endoparasitoids of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Adult females locate hosts by detecting substrate-borne vibrations produced by host calls. The genus contains over 150 described species, with new species continuing to be described from under-sampled regions.
Cephalopsini
Cephalopsini is a tribe of big-headed flies within the family Pipunculidae. The tribe includes two genera: Cephalops and Cephalosphaera. Members of this tribe are parasitoids, with females depositing eggs into host insects. The tribe is part of the subfamily Pipunculinae.
Cephenemyia
deer botfly, deer nose bot, nasal bot fly
Cephenemyia is a genus of bot flies in the family Oestridae, commonly known as deer bot flies or nasal bot flies. These large, robust flies are specialized parasites of cervid ungulates (deer, elk, moose, caribou), with larvae developing in the nasal passages, pharynx, and throat of their hosts. The genus exhibits remarkable mimicry of bumblebees in appearance and behavior. Females are larviparous, depositing active first-instar larvae directly onto hosts. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with multiple species in North America and Eurasia.
Cephus pygmaeus
European wheat stem sawfly, wheat stem sawfly
Cephus pygmaeus is a stem sawfly in the family Cephidae, widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, with introduced populations in North America. Adults are small, wasp-like insects that emerge in early spring and are active during wheat stem elongation. Larvae develop inside wheat stems, causing significant agricultural damage by tunneling and cutting stems. The species is a major pest of wheat and other cereal crops, with infestations reaching over 50% in some regions.
Ceracia
Ceracia is a genus of bristle flies in the family Tachinidae, established by Rondani in 1865. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species. The genus is classified within the tribe Acemyini of the subfamily Tachininae.
Ceranisus
Ceranisus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species are solitary larval endoparasitoids of thrips (Thysanoptera), with females laying eggs within early larval instars of their hosts. The genus has received attention for its potential in biological control of agricultural thrips pests, including Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis, and F. intonsa. Strains collected worldwide show variation in biology and behavior based on geographic origin and phenotypic appearance.
Ceranisus americensis
Ceranisus americensis is a Nearctic species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae. It is one of several thrips-attacking species placed in the genus Ceranisus. The species was described from North America and has been recorded from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus, it is a parasitoid of thrips (Thysanoptera).
Ceraphronidae
ceraphronid wasps, ceraphronids
Ceraphronidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Ceraphronoidea, containing approximately 14 genera and 360 described species, though many remain undescribed. The family is poorly known taxonomically and ecologically. Most species are believed to be primary parasitoids, particularly of flies, with some functioning as hyperparasitoids of other parasitoids. A significant number of species are found in soil, and winglessness has evolved in multiple lineages.
Ceraphronoidea
Ceraphronoidea is a small superfamily of minute parasitoid and hyperparasitoid wasps (0.5–4 mm body length) comprising two families: Ceraphronidae and Megaspilidae. Approximately 740 species have been described globally, though estimates suggest true diversity may reach 12,000–21,000 species. The group is among the most severely understudied parasitoid wasp lineages, with over 80% of species having unknown host associations. First described by Alexander Henry Haliday, Ceraphronoidea has been historically difficult to study due to morphological challenges including monotonous external morphology, extreme sexual dimorphism, and reduced wing venation.
Ceraptroceroideus
Ceraptroceroideus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Girault in 1916. Members of this genus are small chalcid wasps, part of a large group of parasitoids that attack other insects. The genus is rarely encountered in scientific literature and field observations, with only four observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the source data. Encyrtid wasps in general are important biological control agents, though species-specific biology for Ceraptroceroideus remains poorly documented.
Ceratochrysis
Ceratochrysis is a genus of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, established by Cooper in 1952. Members are kleptoparasitic wasps known for their metallic coloration and hard, sculptured exoskeletons. The genus is distinguished by antennal characteristics and specific structural features of the mesosoma. Species within this genus target the nests of other wasps and bees, laying eggs in host provisions.
Ceratogastra ornata
Ceratogastra ornata is a small ichneumon wasp (10–12 mm) recognized by its ornate yellow and reddish-brown or black coloration. Four subspecies are recognized across its broad North American range, with northern specimens darker and more reduced in yellow markings than southern and western populations. The species has been suggested to mimic stinging spider wasps in appearance. Females are known to oviposit in flower buds, targeting eggs or early instars of noctuid moths in the genus Feltia.
Ceratomia
Ceratomia is a genus of hawkmoths (family Sphingidae) erected by Thaddeus William Harris in 1839. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Several species are notable for their specialized host plant associations, particularly with Catalpa and Fraxinus (ash). Ceratomia catalpae, the catalpa sphinx, is among the best-studied species due to its chemical sequestration of the iridoid glycoside catalpol from host plants, which provides defense against predators but not against its specialist parasitoid Cotesia congregata. Ceratomia undulosa, the waved sphinx, is an ash specialist whose populations are threatened by emerald ash borer-induced host decline.
Ceratomia catalpae
Catalpa Sphinx, Catawba worm
Ceratomia catalpae, the catalpa sphinx, is a hawk moth in the family Sphingidae native to southeastern North America. The species is notable for its close association with catalpa trees (Catalpa spp.), which serve as the exclusive host plants for its larvae. The caterpillars, known as "catawba worms," are highly valued as fishing bait and sequester defensive iridoid glycosides from their host plants. Adults are dull brown with distinctive wing markings and a wingspan of 65–95 mm. The species has been extensively studied for its chemical ecology, particularly the sequestration of catalpol and its interactions with the parasitoid wasp Cotesia congregata.
Cerceris fumipennis
Smoky-winged Beetle Bandit Wasp
Cerceris fumipennis is a solitary, ground-nesting wasp and the only buprestid-hunting member of family Crabronidae in eastern North America. Females construct subterranean nests in hard-packed sandy soil and provision them exclusively with paralyzed jewel beetles (Buprestidae). The wasp has become a valuable biosurveillance tool for detecting the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), as it efficiently locates and captures these beetles from distances up to 2 km from its nest. Citizen science programs known as "WaspWatchers" monitor wasp colonies to survey for pest beetles.
Cerchysiella scutellata
Cerchysiella scutellata is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Howard in 1897. The genus Cerchysiella is part of one of the largest and most important collections of Encyrtidae at the University of California, Riverside. Specimens of this species are represented in major entomological collections and have been documented from point-mounted specimens at UCR.
Cerchysius
Cerchysius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Westwood in 1832. Species in this genus are known to attack scale insects (Coccoidea), serving as biological control agents. The genus is represented in major entomological collections including the UCR Encyrtidae holdings, which contains multiple Cerchysius species. Cerchysius species have been recorded from Brazil, Denmark, and New Caledonia.
Cerocephalidae
Cerocephalidae is a small family of chalcid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. The family was elevated from subfamily status within Pteromalidae in 1946 by Gahan. Most species are parasitoids of small wood-boring beetles, particularly bark beetles in the families Curculionidae (Scolytinae). The family contains 13 extant genera including Acerocephala, Cerocephala, and Theocolax, plus three fossil genera.
Ceropales
cuckoo spider wasp
Ceropales is a genus of kleptoparasitic spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the prey of other solitary wasps rather than hunting spiders themselves. The genus originated in Eurasia approximately 10.6 million years ago and achieved its cosmopolitan distribution through multiple long-distance dispersal events across land bridges and oceanic barriers.
Ceropales hatoda
Ceropales hatoda is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Brimley in 1928. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that exploit the prey provisions of other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. This species is part of a group noted for its distinctive coloration and potential role in mimicry complexes with other aculeate wasps.
Ceropales maculata rhodomerus
Ceropales maculata rhodomerus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Townes in 1957. It is part of a genus known for kleptoparasitic behavior, where females steal prey from other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. The subspecies epithet 'rhodomerus' refers to its reddish coloration. Records indicate presence in Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, suggesting a northwestern European distribution.
Chaetogaedia
Chaetogaedia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 14 described species. The genus was established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891 and is classified within the tribe Goniini of the subfamily Exoristinae. Species are distributed across the Americas, with records from North, Central, and South America. As with other tachinids, members are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host associations for most species remain undocumented.
Chaetoplagia
Chaetoplagia is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Voriini, subfamily Dexiinae. The genus contains a single described species, Chaetoplagia atripennis, recorded from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Tachinid flies in this group are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Chaetoplagia remain undocumented.
Chaetostigmoptera
Chaetostigmoptera is a genus of tachinid flies erected by Charles Howard Townsend in 1916. The genus belongs to the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae. Six species have been described, ranging from 1898 to 1934. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host records for this genus appear to be poorly documented in accessible literature.
Chaetostigmoptera manca
Chaetostigmoptera manca is a species of tachinid bristle fly described by Greene in 1934. Originally described as Plectops manca, it belongs to the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae. As a member of Tachinidae, it is likely a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species is known only from the United States.
Chalarinae
big-headed flies
Chalarinae is a subfamily of big-headed flies within the family Pipunculidae. The subfamily contains four genera: Chalarus, Jassidophaga, Verrallia, and the extinct genus †Protoverrallia known from Baltic amber. Members of this subfamily are parasitoids, with larvae developing within host insects.
Chalarus
Chalarus is a genus of big-headed flies in the family Pipunculidae, established by Walker in 1834. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with approximately 45 described species found across multiple continents. Chalarus species are primary parasitoids of typhlocybine leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), a relationship that has been documented through life history and oviposition studies. As members of Pipunculidae, they contribute to biological control of leafhopper populations in various ecosystems.
Chalcedectus
Chalcedectus is a genus of chalcid wasps constituting the sole genus of the monotypic family Chalcedectidae. Formerly classified within the subfamily Cleonyminae of Pteromalidae, molecular phylogenetic studies placed it in a distinct lineage within the 'weird clade' of Chalcidoidea. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Most species are parasitoids of wood-boring beetles.
Chalcididae
Chalcidid Wasps
Chalcididae is a family of parasitoid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising over 85 genera and more than 1,460 species worldwide. Members are characterized by greatly enlarged, toothed hind femora that enable powerful jumping. Most species are parasitoids of Lepidoptera and Diptera pupae, though some attack Coleoptera (particularly jewel beetles in the genus Chrysobothris) and other insects. The family is currently considered polyphyletic, with subfamilies potentially warranting elevation to family status. They occur across diverse habitats from tropical to temperate regions, with notable diversity in semiarid regions of Brazil and teak plantations in Southeast Asia.
Chalcidoidea
Chalcidoid Wasps, Chalcid Wasps, Jewel Wasps
Chalcidoidea is a superfamily of Hymenoptera containing over 22,500 described species, with an estimated true diversity exceeding 500,000 species. Members are commonly known as chalcidoid wasps or jewel wasps due to their often metallic coloration. They are predominantly parasitoid wasps that attack other insects to lay eggs upon or within hosts, with larvae feeding and developing at the host's expense. The group originated in the late Jurassic approximately 162 million years ago, with fossil evidence extending to 130 million years ago.
Chalcis
Chalcis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Chalcididae, characterized by greatly enlarged hind femora with ventral teeth and curved hind tibiae. Members of this genus are parasitoids of stratiomyid flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), ovipositing into host egg masses laid on emergent vegetation near water. The genus includes Chalcis sispes, the first chalcidid wasp to have its genome fully sequenced.
Chalcoela iphitalis
Sooty-winged Chalcoela, Sooty-winged Chalcoela Moth
Chalcoela iphitalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae that functions as a brood parasite of social paper wasps. The species is notable for its striking coloration: the head, thorax, and anterior forewings are yellow-orange, while the posterior forewings and hindwings are gray-silver with black marginal spots. Adults are active from May to August across North America. The larvae are specialized predators of wasp pupae and pre-pupae within Polistes and Mischocyttarus nests, and represent a rare case of a lepidopteran acting as a parasitoid of hymenopterans.
Chalcoela pegasalis
wasp parasitizer moth
Chalcoela pegasalis, commonly known as the wasp parasitizer moth, is a small pyralid moth in the family Crambidae. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is notable for its parasitoid lifestyle, with larvae developing inside the nests of paper wasps (Polistes species). The moth occurs across the Caribbean and eastern North America, with adults active during the warmer months.
Charops
Charops is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Campopleginae, established by Holmgren in 1859. Species in this genus are larval parasitoids of lepidopteran hosts, with documented associations including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in agricultural systems. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Asia, South America, and Europe. Recent taxonomic work has expanded the known species diversity, particularly with descriptions of seven new species from Brazil and one from China.
Chartocerus
Chartocerus is a genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Signiphoridae, comprising 27 described species. Members are known primarily as hyperparasitoids—parasitoids of other parasitoids—though some species have been recorded as primary parasitoids of aphids, psyllids, mealybugs, scale insects, and flies. The genus has been documented as an obligate hyperparasitoid of other chalcid wasps, including Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis and possibly Tamarixia radiata.
Chasmodon
Chasmodon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling and function as parasitoids of stem-boring Diptera, particularly frit flies (Oscinella spp.) in grassland ecosystems. The genus has been documented in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Cheiloneurus
parasitic wasp
Cheiloneurus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus function primarily as hyperparasitoids, attacking other parasitoid wasps that develop within scale insects, mealybugs, and other hemipteran hosts. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a group of coarse bristles at the apex of the scutellum and a long marginal vein on the fore wings. Cheiloneurus species have been recorded from multiple continents including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, with some species being utilized or studied for biological control applications.
Cheiropachus
Cheiropachus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Westwood in 1829. Species within this genus are known to parasitize bark beetles (Scolytidae), with C. quadrum being the most studied species due to its role as a biological control agent of olive bark beetles in southern Europe. The genus occurs in Europe and North America, with at least ten recognized species.
Cheloninae
chelonine wasps
Cheloninae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps, distinguished by a distinctive metasomal carapace formed from the fusion of the first three tergites. Members are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids that primarily attack Lepidoptera, particularly Pyraloidea and Tortricoidea. They are egg-larval parasitoids, ovipositing into host eggs but completing development only after the caterpillar hatches and matures. Chelonines carry polydnaviruses that aid in suppressing host immune responses.
Chelonus
Chelonus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Cheloninae. These wasps are internal parasites of moth larvae, particularly those in superfamilies Tortricoidea and Pyraloidea. The genus contains approximately 139 species in North America north of Mexico. Chelonus wasps exhibit a distinctive abdominal structure where the first three dorsal segments are fused into a single plate, making them relatively easy to identify among braconids.
Chetogena
Chetogena is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising parasitoid species. Members are solitary parasitoids that attack various Lepidoptera hosts. Some species exhibit specialized reproductive behaviors, including egg retention in response to host deprivation. The genus has been studied for biological control potential against agricultural pests.
Chloropidae
frit flies, grass flies, eye gnats
Chloropidae are a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2000 described species in over 160 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults are minute to small (1.0–4.0 mm, rarely to 12 mm), typically yellow, black, gray, or greenish, with a shiny appearance due to sparse pubescence. The mesonotum often bears three to five dark longitudinal stripes. Larvae exhibit diverse life histories: most are phytophagous, feeding on grasses and cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage; others are saprophagous, predatory, parasitic, or kleptoparasitic. A few species in genera Hippelates and Siphunculina are attracted to lachrymal secretions and other body fluids of mammals, earning the name 'eye gnats' and serving as mechanical vectors of bacterial and viral pathogens.