Parasitic Wasp

Braconidae

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Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+5 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforestsagricultural fields

Taxonomic Group

Wasp

Order

Hymenoptera

Family

Braconidae

Lifecycle

Parasitic wasps undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female wasp lays her eggs on or inside a host insect. Upon hatching, the larva feeds on the host, eventually killing it. The larva then pupates, often spinning a cocoon on the exterior of the host's body. Finally, the adult wasp emerges from the cocoon. Adult parasitic wasps primarily feed on nectar and pollen. The duration of the life cycle and the number of generations per year vary widely among species, with some completing their cycle in a few weeks and having multiple generations per season, while others may take a year or more.

Overwintering Strategy

Overwintering strategies vary among species. Some parasitic wasps overwinter as larvae or pupae within their host insects. Others survive the winter as adults in sheltered locations such as in leaf litter, under tree bark, or in other protected crevices.

Native Range

Worldwide

Attracted By

yarrowdillfennelcilantroQueen Anne's laceand other plants in the carrot and aster families with smallshallow flowers

Repelled By

Information not available

Companion Planting

Interplanting flowering herbs and other attractant plants among vegetable and fruit crops can help to attract and retain parasitic wasps, increasing natural pest control. Good choices include yarrow, dill, fennel, and cilantro.