Cotesia ofella
This record describes Cotesia ofella (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a small parasitoid wasp with a fascinating lifestyle. The Cotesia ofella female oviposits into a lepidopteran larva, which acts as host for the developing wasp larvae. The erupting parasitoid wasp larvae then cooperate in spinning a communal web that encloses their individual, separately spun but connected cocoons. This is a fluffy looking white or yellowish ball which may be suspended from low vegetation. For a much more detailed report on the lifestyle of Cotesia species see the link under ‘Further Information’ below. Detailed examination is necessary to identify to species level. Various habitats where the host larvae occur. Believed to be fairly common, though not particularly well recorded due to difficulty of identification. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Braconidae
- Genus
- Cotesia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats where the host larvae occur.
Seasonal Activity
Summer to early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
See 'Further Information' link
Additional species information
Recorded status
Believed to be fairly common, though not particularly well recorded due to difficulty of identification.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cotesia ofella. 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 Cotesia ofella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cotesia ofella
What is Cotesia ofella?
Cotesia ofella is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Cotesia ofella found?
Habitat: Various habitats where the host larvae occur.
When is Cotesia ofella active?
Cotesia ofella: seasonal activity - Summer to early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Cotesia ofella?
See 'Further Information' link