Parasitoid Collection

Brush footed butterfly (Lycorea sp. ) caterpillar with parasitic wasp cocoons on silk threads
Brush footed butterfly (Lycorea sp.) caterpillar with parasitic wasp cocoons on silk threads, Yasuni National Park, Orellana, Ecuador

Jewel wasps
Jimmy Hoffman

Palingenia longicauda
Antique illustration of a Palingenia longicauda

Leaf mines of agromyzid leaf miner larvae in the leaves of smooth sow-thistle, Sonchus oleraceus, host source for parasitoid wasps

Larval scales of cabbage whitefly, Aleyrodes proletella, parasitised by a parasitoiid wasp, Encarsia tricolor, for commercial biological control

An adult parasitoid wasp, Encarsia tricolor, laying eggs, ovipositing in larval scales of cabbage whitefly, Aleyrodes proletella

Parasitoid wasp, Encyrtus infelix, commercial biological control parasitoid with scale insect host pests in protected crops

The exit hole of a parasitoid wasp, Metaphycus helvolus, in the shell of its scale insect host

The exit hole of a parasitoid wasp, Encyrtus infelix, in the shell of its scale insect host

Scarlet Caterpillar Fungus (Cordyceps militaris) fruiting bodies, growing in woodland, Powys, Wales, November

Eastern Velvet Ant (Mutilla europaea) wingless adult female, walking over bare soil, Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, Kent, England, September

Chalcid wasp laying eggs in an oak gall C016 / 4710
Chalcid wasp laying eggs in an oak gall. Close-up of a chalcid wasp (family Torymidae) hyperparasitising oak apple galls of the gall wasp (Biorhiza pallida)

Two birds on title page, waiting for crumbs
Heart-shaped enamel on metal badge made by Ernestine Mills (1871-1959), possibly for the W.S.P.Us Womens Exhibition of 1909

Brachycerous fly
The family Nemestrinidae comprises almost 300 species of brachycerous flies. Larvae of this family are parasitoids of Orthoptera and scarabeus beetle larvae

Lasia sp. small-headed fly
Acrocerid fly (small-headed fly) from Mexico, flies of this genus are parasitoids of tarantulas. Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London

Bombyliidae specimens
Bee-flies from around the world, clockwise from top left: Systropus, Bombylius, Cephalopdromia and Ligyra. Adults are flower feeders, the larvae are parasitoids of other insects

Parasitic Wasp (Gasteruption jaculator) adult female, feeding on umbellifer flowers, Southwater Woods, West Sussex, England, July

Commander Ichneumon (Dolichomitus imperator) adult female, seeking out prey and laying eggs, Northern California, U.S.A. july

Parasitic wasp. Artwork of a chalcid wasp (Pteromalus sp.). This species of wasp is a parasite of the larva of other insects. This specimen hatched from a pupa found in a nettle gall

Parasitised aphid (Microlophium carnosum) on a nettle leaf, artwork. The dead aphid has been parasitised by the endoparasitoid larva of a braconid wasp

Head of a parasitic wasp, SEM
Head of a parasitic wasp. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a parasitic wasp (Aphelinus abdominalis). This tiny wasp is a parasite of potato and foxglove aphids

Braconid wasp (Aphidius sp.), artwork. This adult has emerged from the parasitised body of an aphid (Microlophium carnosum) specific to the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Parasitic wasp, SEM
Parasitic wasp, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Parasitic wasps are parasitoids, parasites that always kill their host

Rubytail wasp (Chrysis ignita). Photographed in Oland, Sweden

Chrysalis infected with parasitic larvae. Chrysalis of the small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) with a thin thread extending from it

Dodder parasitic plant. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a host plant parasitised by a dodder (Cuscuta sp.)

Chrysalise infected with parasitic larvae
Chrysalises infected with parasitic larvae. Chrysalises of the small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) with thin threads extending from them

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"Nature's Intricate Dance: The Fascinating World of Parasitoids" In the intricate tapestry of nature, a brush-footed butterfly caterpillar unknowingly becomes a host to parasitic wasp cocoons delicately suspended on silk threads. These jewel wasps, masters of manipulation, lay their eggs inside unsuspecting victims like the Palingenia longicauda or cabbage whitefly larvae. Witness the remarkable sight of an adult parasitoid wasp, Encarsia tricolor, skillfully depositing her eggs in the protective scales of cabbage whitefly larvae. This tiny warrior ensures its offspring have a ready-made feast as they hatch and consume their hosts from within. The leaf mines left behind by agromyzid leaf miner larvae in smooth sow-thistle leaves reveal yet another chapter in this captivating saga. Within these tunnels lie hidden secrets and potential hosts for future generations of parasitoids. A small white butterfly caterpillar named Pieris rapae falls prey to Cotesia glomerata, a cunning parasitoid wasp that injects its own eggs into the unsuspecting larva. As time passes, these tiny invaders grow and emerge victorious while leaving behind nothing but empty shells. Behold the astonishing sight of larval scales belonging to cabbage whiteflies being mercilessly overtaken by Encarsia tricolor once again. This relentless cycle continues as these adult parasitoid wasps tirelessly seek out new hosts to ensure their survival. Even commercial biological control comes into play with Encyrtus infelix taking center stage. With precision and purpose, this specialized parasitoid lays its eggs within scale insect host pests under controlled conditions—providing an eco-friendly solution for pest management. As we marvel at these intricacies woven into our natural world, let us appreciate how parasites become architects of balance and harmony. Through their existence and interactions with other species like butterflies and insects alike, they remind us of the delicate interconnectedness that sustains life on our planet.