Braconid Wasps – Baraconidae Family

Braconid Wasps   Family: Braconidae Common Name: Braconid wasp Appearance: Braconid wasps are small insects not more than 15 mm in length. They may be light or dark in color with striped wings. Additionally, they also have segmented antennas as well as an ovipositor in female species. The ovipositor deposits the egg in the host insects, where they grow during their developmental stages. Host Plants or Food: Braconid wasps are parasitic insects which means they prey on other insects such as aphids, beetles, and caterpillars. They may be ectoparasites or endoparasites, depending upon their habitat. Some species of wasps inject venom along with the egg in the host to paralyze them. Territory: Throughout North America, Asia, and Australia Mode of Damage:  These are beneficial garden insects that help reduce harmful insects by using them as hosts. Habits and Life History: Braconid wasps are parasitic entities that lay eggs on or in host insects where their larvae grow into pupae. The female wasp first paralyzes the host by injecting the venom and then transfers its egg through the ovipositor. The larvae grow and feed on the host until it grows into pupae. As many as 150 larvae can grow in a single host body, making them fast-growing insects. They are usually found in wet, humid areas with a potentially high insect ratio.