Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia congregata
This record describes Cotesia congregata (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The most significant parasitoid of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta Our field studies are beginning to show that these Cotesia species are highly host-specific, and that some similar-looking species that attack related hosts may actually be genetically, if not very morphologically, distinct. The host of Cotesia congregata (Say) that was originally studied was Manduca sexta , so the wasps from catalpa sphinx may possibly be different, but as far as we know now they are not. -Dr. James B. Whitfield, University of Illinois (11/12/2008) Cocoons on Manduca sexta . Cocoons on Ceratomia catalpae . Cocoons on Sphinx kalmiae . Cocoons on Darapsa myron . Cocoons on Dolba hyloeus . Cocoons on Deidamia inscriptum . Cocoons on Hemaris diffinis . Cocoons on Eumorpha pandorus .
Wikipedia reference for Cotesia congregata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotesia_congregata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Braconidae (Braconid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Microgastrinae
- Genus
- Cotesia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Caterpillars, primarily Manduca sexta or tobacco hornworm. Also a number of other ecologically related sphingid caterpillars (hornworms):
Life History
Cocoons and adults emerging from cocoons
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cotesia congregata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by ceiseman , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp
What is Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp?
Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp (Cotesia congregata) is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
What does Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp eat?
The diet of the Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp includes Caterpillars, primarily Manduca sexta or tobacco hornworm. Also a number of other ecologically related sphingid caterpillars (hornworms):.
What is the life cycle of a Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp?
Cocoons and adults emerging from cocoons