ichneumonoid

Ichneumonoidea is a superfamily of parasitic wasps that includes the families Ichneumonidae and Braconidae. These wasps are characterized by their slender bodies, long antennae, and, in females, a prominent ovipositor. The superfamily is incredibly diverse, with an estimated over 60,000 described species and many more yet to be discovered. Ichneumonoid wasps play a crucial role in ecosystems as natural control agents for many insect pests.

Ichneumonidae is the larger of the two families, with many species being solitary endoparasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs inside or on a single host, which is then consumed by the developing larva. Braconidae are also primarily parasitoids, though some species are idiobionts, paralyzing their hosts before ovipositing. The hosts of ichneumonoid wasps span a wide range of insect orders, with a particular focus on caterpillars of moths and butterflies, but also including beetles, flies, and other wasps.

The life cycle of an ichneumonoid wasp typically involves the female locating a suitable host, often by detecting chemical cues. She then inserts her ovipositor into or onto the host and deposits one or more eggs. The resulting larva feeds on the host, eventually killing it. After completing its development, the larva pupates, and a new adult wasp emerges. The size of ichneumonoid wasps varies greatly, from tiny species that parasitize small insects to large ones that can parasitize larger arthropods. Their impact on agriculture and natural environments is significant, making them important subjects of study in entomology and pest management.