Hymenoptera parasite adult and larva
© 2000. Ralph E. Berry, Department of Entomology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
| Hymenoptera parasites (Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Chalcidae) are parasitic on aphids, cutworms and armyworms, loopers, and other pests. Adults may be very small (0.3 to 3 mm) or may be as long as 35 mm, depending on the species. Larvae of most Hymenoptera parasites are very small, white, legless, and grub-like. Females lay an egg in or on the prey and the parasite larva develops on or within the prey. Larvae consume internal tissues and organs, eventually killing the host. Life histories of these parasites are closely synchronized with the prey and vary according to the different species. |
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