CAHNRS > Hortsense > Fact Sheets > Natural Enemies > Parasitic Wasps > Parasitic Wasps : Ichneumonid and braconid wasps

Parasitic Wasps : Ichneumonid and braconid wasps

categories: Natural Enemies Parasitic Wasps

last review date: 2025-08-23 06:03

close-up of Ichneumonid wasp against yellow background.
Ichneumonid wasp (Trogus sp.) (Ichneumonidae)
Photo by: D.G. James

Biology

This group of familiar parasitic wasps comprises a number of species that target caterpillars.

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.

Prey or Pest Targeted

  • Aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, true bugs, beetles, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, spiders, whiteflies, insect eggs

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

  • Native plants provide essential resources.
  • Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
  • Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
  • Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
  • Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
  • Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
  • Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: For more information on using pesticides, visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets | Pesticide Resources and Education Program | Washington State University.

  • None recommended

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