Aphid parasites – Aphidiidae family

Aphid parasites   Family: Aphididae Common Name: Greenfly, Blackfly, Aphid parasites Appearance: Aphid parasites are tiny wasp-like insects, 3 mm long with slender, black, or brown bodies. They are parasites that grow on other insect species. Female aphids lay their eggs in an aphid, and the larvae grow off on it, mummifying it in the process. Aphid colonies produce a characteristic odor through which they are distinguished. Host Plants or Food: Adult aphids feed on nectar from dill, parsley, corn, mustard, and other such plants. The larvae usually grow on aphids, including melon aphids, peach aphids, pea aphids, etc. Territory: Throughout North America, Australia, Western USA, and Eastern USA Mode of Damage:  Beneficial plant insects. These wasps are highly useful in keeping the aphid colonies in check since the larvae use them as hosts. Habits and Life History: Aphid parasites are usually found in areas near crops. Female aphids lay eggs on aphids, such that it hatches and becomes a larva inside the aphid itself. The larvae feed on the aphid and grow inside of it, killing it in the process. The dead aphid swells and turns golden or brown, called a mummified aphid. The adult aphid makes a hole in the mummy to come out of it. The average lifetime of an adult aphid is 2 to 3 weeks, in which they can lay off as many as 300 eggs.