Aphelinid Wasps – Aphelininae subfamily

Aphelinid Wasps Sub Family: Aphelinidae Common Name: Parasitic wasp, Aphlenid wasp Appearance: Aphelinid wasps belong to the subfamily Aphilinae, consisting of minute insects. They have about 1000 different species, all sizing from 0.4mm to 1mm. They have a pair of segmented antennae along with segmented tarsi, distinguishing them from other species. Their forewing shows characteristic venation. Host Plants or Food: Aphelinid wasps prey on other insects, including Aphids, bugs, scales, and flies. The host may be an egg, larvae, or adult member of the species. Territory: Throughout North America, Western USA, Eastern USA, Australia, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf States Mode of Damage:  Beneficial garden insects. They feed on other garden insects that may be a threat to the plants. Habits and Life History: Aphelinid wasps can survive all kinds of conditions, be it wet or dry, hot or cold, which is why they are found in every part of the world. The female wasps are greater in number since they reproduce parthenogenetically to produce more females. Both the male and female Aphelinind wasps have different developmental patterns. The females occur as endoparasitoids on insects belonging to Homoptera. The male wasps may either be ectoparasitoids of Homoptera, hyperparasitoids of Homoptera, or occur as endoparasitoids of lepidopteran eggs.