Ichneumonidae and Braconidae: Ichneumons and Braconids

categories: Ichneumonidae and Braconidae Pollinators Wasps

last review date: 2026-04-26 09:29

Biology

This group of parasitic wasps comprises many species that target caterpillars, beetles and flies.

The Ichneumonidae is the largest family of wasps with more than 24,000 species worldwide, and about 1,000 species in the Pacific Northwest.  The Braconidae is also very large at almost 20,000 species worldwide.

Adults usually measure from ½ to 1 ½ inches in length and are slender and long-legged with the abdomen longer than the head and thorax combined. Many have a long ovipositor which is a needle-like structure at the end of the female abdomen used for inserting eggs into the host.

Aside from their important function as regulators of other insect populations, Ichneumons and braconids are also incidental pollinators as adults because of their need for nectar and pollen as nourishment.  How important they are in pollination is unknown, but their sheer number likely makes them significant pollinators in some habitats.

Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden

• Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
• Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials but generally the less chemical inputs there are, the greater and more diverse the beneficial insect community will be.
• Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting and retaining a diversity of beneficial insects, mites and spiders. Minimize lawn areas and maximize shrub and bush plantings.
• Many beneficials reside naturally in riparian and other ‘natural’ areas near to many back yards. Natural dispersion from these refuges ensures that some beneficials will visit back yards but they will not stay unless food, host and shelter resources are available.
• Native plants have closer affinities with native insects and therefore provide most of these resources. A garden with a good diversity of local native flora in and around back yards, will improve the abundance and diversity of local, beneficial arthropods.
• Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites for many beneficial insects and it is useful to leave at least a small area of native vegetation undisturbed during fall and winter.
• Some kinds of beneficial insects (e.g. lady beetles, lacewings, predatory mites) are available for purchase from commercial suppliers. However, benefits from introducing these beneficials are usually limited and short-lived. Upon release, commercially obtained lady beetles and lacewings often disperse and may rapidly leave your backyard despite the presence of prey and suitable nectar resources. Generally, it is more effective and sustainable to create a garden habitat that will be colonized by beneficials naturally.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended