The Ichneumonidae, also known as ichneumon wasps, ichneumonid wasps, ichneumonids, or Darwin wasps, are a family of parasitoid wasps of the insect order Hymenoptera.

Sep 3, 2023 · Ichneumon wasps are fascinating creatures belonging to one of the largest insect families, with over 4,000 species found across North America. These insects display a diverse range of forms, sizes, and colorations, making them an intriguing topic.

There are thousands of species of ichneumons in North America, and many are hard to tell apart. Colors vary, with some being drab and others brightly colored or patterned. Some have black and yellow bands like stinging wasps.

Ichneumon wasps are parasitoids, meaning their larvae feed and develop on or within the bodies of other arthropods. They parasitize many insect groups, especially Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Coleoptera (beetles), and other Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps). Some utilize spiders as hosts.

Quick facts Megarhyssa is a large wasp found on declining or recently dead hardwood trees between May and July. It parasitizes horntails present in declining trees, but does not injure trees. Harmless to people and ignores people when possible. If mishandled, it may sting to protect itself.

Ichneumonid wasps are one of the largest families with more than 3,300 recognized species in North America. All ichneumonids are parasitoids and they parasitize a lot of insect groups, though most species attack a fairly narrow range of hosts as species are host-specific.

The ovipositor of ichneumonoids generally cannot deliver a sting as many wasps or bees do. It can be used to bore wood and lay eggs on hosts deep inside, or reach hosts hidden inside leaf shelters.

May 13, 2021 · How big are parasitic wasps? Can ichneumon wasps sting and are they dangerous for humans or animals?

Ichneumon wasps of the genus Trichogramma have been bred to control moths and can be used to get rid of pantry moths and clothes moths. Our Plantura Mini-Wasps parasitise the eggs of food and clothes moths, making them a sustainable and safe alternative to chemical sprays.

Ichneumonidae, or ichneumon wasps, are a highly diverse family of parasitoid wasps integral to insect population regulation. They have a complex evolutionary history and morphological adaptations for parasitism, playing a crucial role in ecosystems as biological control agents.