Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Popular Insects
Hornworm parasitic wasp

Hornworm parasitic wasp

Cotesia congregata

A species of Cotesia, Also known as Tomato hornworm parasitic wasp, Tomato hornworm parasitoid wasp

Hornworm parasitic wasp is a beneficial insect that attacks various species of hornworms, including the crop-damaging tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). The white pupae are easy to spot as they emerge from their hosts. Food flowers like aster and yarrow can be planted to attract these insects to the garden.

General Info About Hornworm parasitic wasp
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Hornworm parasitic wasp
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, water, plant exudates, possibly aphid secretions
Larva Food Source
Larvae of manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm), larvae of other sphingid moths
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Hornworm parasitic wasp can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Hornworm parasitic wasp
It is widely distributed throughout North America, Central America, South America, and the West Indies.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Hornworm parasitic wasp
United States
Rectangle
Appearance of Hornworm parasitic wasp
This insect has the shortest flagellated spermatozoa in animals, being 6.6 µm long (nucleus and flagellum), 8800 times shorter than the longest ones (Drosophila bifurca).
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Hornworm parasitic wasp?

Rectangle
Predators of Hornworm parasitic wasp Larvae
Birds, small mammals, predacious insects
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Hornworm parasitic wasp
Birds, small mammals, spiders, other predatory insects
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Hornworm parasitic wasp
Female hornworm parasitic wasp possess a unique ovipositor that injects eggs directly into host caterpillars, altering the host's immune system for successful larval development.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Hornworm parasitic wasp
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Bees
Icon allow
Genus
Cotesia
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Hornworm parasitic wasp
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Hornworm parasitic wasp
On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Hornworm parasitic wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Hornworm parasitic wasp
Trap food for hornworm parasitic wasp could include caterpillars or moth larvae, as hornworm parasitic wasp is a parasitoid wasp that lays its eggs inside these hosts.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Hornworm parasitic wasp
The suitable weather to find hornworm parasitic wasp would be dry and sunny, as wet conditions can hinder their flight and ability to parasitize hosts.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Hornworm parasitic wasp at Different Life Stages
Larva Hornworm parasitic wasp larvae will be inside their hosts, so to find them, search for parasitized caterpillars or moth larvae which might exhibit changes in behavior or appearance due to the parasitism.
Pupal Hornworm parasitic wasp pupae can be found attached to the underside of leaves or hidden in the crevices near the host remains. Search gently to avoid disturbing them.
Adult Hornworm parasitic wasp adults can often be spotted flying in the vicinity of host-rich environments such as gardens with caterpillars. Spotting them may require patience and careful observation as they're small and fast.
Are Hornworm parasitic wasp harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Hornworm parasitic wasp
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitic Position Type
Endoparasitism
Parasitic Special Type
Specific Parasitism
Host Type
Moths
Hornworm parasitic wasp is a remarkable representative of parasitoids, depositing its eggs into caterpillar hosts. During its larval stage, it lives inside its host, feeding on non-vital tissues. This specific parasitism approach allows hornworm parasitic wasp's larvae to develop while ultimately killing the caterpillar, illustrating a critical biological control strategy against pest species.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow