Doryctinae

Doryctinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera. Members are typically small to medium-sized and function as parasitoids of other insects during their larval stage.

The subfamily comprises a diverse array of genera and species and is distributed worldwide, with particularly high diversity in tropical regions. Doryctinae occupy a variety of concealed habitats, where their hosts live, such as within wood, stems, or plant tissues. Hosts include larvae of wood-boring beetles as well as caterpillars of Lepidoptera, among other insect groups.

Ecology and significance: As parasitoids, Doryctinae influence the populations of their hosts and contribute to the regulation of forest and agricultural pests. Several species have been studied or used in biological control programs, though many remain undescribed or poorly known.

Taxonomy and notable genera: The subfamily is organized into multiple tribes and numerous genera; notable examples include Doryctes and Heterospilus. Taxonomic understanding of Doryctinae has evolved with new revisions and molecular data, leading to changes in tribal and generic compositions.