Trigonalus

Trigonalus is a genus of parasitic wasps belonging to the family Trigonalidae. These wasps are known for their unusual life cycle and their role as hyperparasitoids, meaning they parasitize other parasitic insects. Trigonalus wasps are found in various parts of the world, with species documented in North America, Europe, and Asia.

The most distinctive feature of Trigonalus is its method of oviposition. The female wasp lays her eggs within the host's environment, but the eggs do not hatch until they are ingested by the host. This is often achieved by the female depositing eggs on plants that are subsequently eaten by herbivorous insects, which are themselves hosts for other parasitoids. When the eggs are consumed, they hatch inside the host's body.

The larvae of Trigonalus are endoparasitoids. They develop within the body of the primary parasitoid larva, eventually consuming it and completing their own development. This strategy makes Trigonalus a part of a complex food web within insect communities, regulating populations of other parasitoids.

Adult Trigonalus wasps are typically characterized by their slender bodies and prominent antennae. Their coloration can vary depending on the species, but often includes shades of brown, black, or yellow. Information on the specific ecological roles and interactions of many Trigonalus species is still an active area of research in entomology.