Pteromalid Wasps – Pteromalidae family

Pteromalid Wasps   Family: Pteromalidae  Common Name: Pteromalids, Pteromalid wasps Appearance: Pteromalid wasps are dark, tiny insects, usually in shades of metallic blue and green. They range in size from 1-49 mm and can only be seen during adult life since the larval period is inside the host body. Even with such a small size, these wasps appear to have segmented antennae and an ovipositor for the transfer of eggs to the host body. Host Plants or Food: They have a wide host range, ensuring fast growth. The female adult Pteromalid wasp feeds on flower nectar and honeydew. However, their share of proteins required for oviposition is obtained from host fluids, including flies, aphids, and moths. Territory: Throughout North America, Australia, Gulf States, and Europe Mode of Damage:  They belong to beneficial insects since they prey on harmful insects keeping the biological stratum in balance. Habits and Life History: Pteromalid wasps are found in both solitary as well as social conditions. They are found in all kinds of areas, both dry and wet showing their diversity. Female wasp deposits its egg in the body of the host or on it, where it transforms into a larva. The larvae get all their nutrition from the host body, killing the host in the process. The egg is elongated in shape, opaque, and 0.4 mm in length. These wasps have a short life cycle of about 3 weeks.