PARASITIC WASPS
| There are thousands of species of parasitic wasps in North America in various families and most use a species specific host as part of larval development. The most common host are caterpillars but other insects such as flies, sawflies, wood-boring beetles, cockroaches, and even beneficial insects like lacewings can serve as hosts. All are sensitive to pesticide use and populations can be severely impacted if their host species is wiped out. Some can be used in greenhouse or controlled crop settings to control specific insects. |