Trigonalid

Trigonalid is a group of parasitic wasps belonging to the superfamily Trigonaloidea. These insects are characterized by their ovipositor, which is often long and slender, allowing them to parasitize hosts in concealed locations. Trigonalids are endoparasitoids, meaning their larvae develop inside the body of a single host, ultimately killing it. The adults are typically small to medium-sized wasps.

The life cycle of trigonalids is quite complex and involves a unique host-finding strategy. In many cases, the female wasp lays eggs on plants or other surfaces, and these eggs are then ingested by a herbivorous insect, such as a caterpillar or a sawfly larva. The trigonalid egg hatches inside the herbivore, and the larva then develops within its host. However, the trigonalid larva often waits for its host to be consumed by a secondary host, such as a predatory insect or a spider. The trigonalid larva then transfers to this new host and completes its development. This hyperparasitic strategy, where a parasitoid attacks another parasitoid or a host that has already been parasitized, is a notable feature of some trigonalid species.

Trigonalids are found worldwide, inhabiting a variety of terrestrial ecosystems. Their ecological role is primarily as natural enemies of various insect pests, contributing to biological control. Research on trigonalids continues to explore their diverse host-parasite relationships and their potential applications in integrated pest management.