Parasitic Wasps

Braconid wasps are very small insects which, depending on the species, parasitize aphids, caterpillars, and beetle larvae. The adult female wasp lays eggs within the host. The eggs hatch and the larvae feed inside. Some species, like the one pictured above, pupate on the outside of the host. The cocoons that remain are where the larva have pupated and then emerged as adults to repeat their life cycle.

Control: These are beneficial insects. Insect hosts that have been attacked should be left alone so the parasitic wasp can complete its life cycle.