Cotesia
Scientific name: Cotesia
Cotesia
Scientific name: Cotesia
Photo By Katja Schulz , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Members of the genus Cotesia are small yet remarkable parasitic wasps that play a significant role in biological control. Unlike the aggressive wasps often feared by humans, Cotesia are beneficial, targeting caterpillars that damage crops. They inject their eggs into the host, where larvae consume it from the inside. This meticulous life cycle underscores the complexity of their ecological role, making Cotesia vital in maintaining the balance within agricultural ecosystems.
Species of Cotesia
Photo By Katja Schulz , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original