Ichneumon wasps

Ichneumonoidea superfamily

Ichneumon wasps, sometimes incorrectly referred to as ichneumon flies, are small parasitic wasps whose larvae prey mostly on butterfly and moth caterpillars. They are close relatives of the braconids. They are not readily available, commercially, but many can be attracted to the garden by plants that provide food for their adult forms.

Ichneumonids parasitize armyworms, bollworms, cutworms, corn borers and corn earworms, white grubs, and other lawn and garden pests. For example, Eriborus terebrans is a well-known ichneumon wasp that kills the European corn borer; it can be attracted by allowing Queen Anne's lace (usually considered a weed) to grow around the property, or by planting yarrow or fennel.

Parasitic wasps require moisture, food, and shelter as described elsewhere. As with many other beneficial insects, Ichneumon wasps are sensitive to insecticides.

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