Bethylid

Bethylid refers to a family of wasps, Bethylidae, within the order Hymenoptera. These wasps are small to medium-sized and are commonly found worldwide, particularly in warmer regions. They are characterized by their generally dark coloration, though some species may have reddish or yellowish markings. Bethylids are known for their parasitoid life cycle.

The female bethylid wasp searches for the larval or pupal stages of other insects, primarily beetles and moths. Once a suitable host is located, the female wasp paralyzes it using venom injected from her stinger. She then lays one or more eggs on or near the paralyzed host. The bethylid larva hatches and consumes the host's tissues, eventually pupating and emerging as an adult wasp. This parasitic behavior makes bethylids natural enemies of certain pest insects.

Some bethylid species are used in biological control programs to manage agricultural pests. For example, certain species are effective against the larvae of stored-product pests like the Angoumois grain moth. The specific host range and effectiveness of bethylids as biocontrol agents vary depending on the species and the target pest. Their relatively small size and often cryptic nature can make them less conspicuous than some other parasitoids, but their ecological role is significant.