Microgastrinae Wasps

This site shares information about the world species of Microgastrinae parasitoid waps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). There are over 3,000 described species of microgastrines, and an additional 20,000-40,000 remain undescribed, making this group one of the most diverse among parasitoid wasps. Microgastrines can be found in all major terrestrial ecosystems, from as north as 82°30' N in the Canadian Arctic (Alert, Ellesmere Island) to as south as 55° S in South America (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and Chile) and 50° S in New Zealand (the subantarctic Auckland Islands). They have also been collected up to at least 4,000 meters of altitude (in the Andes and the Himalayas). These wasps parasitize caterpillars of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera), and thus are one of the most important groups in the biological control of agriculture and forestry pests.

Photos, host records, and distribution data for as many species/genera as possible are included. We are keeping an updated checklist of world species, and also provide information on regional/local lists of species, as part of ongoing research projects. And we will keep a blog to post on other topics related to this fascinating group of wasps. Check "How to use this site" (http://microgastrinae.myspecies.info/content/how-use-site) for suggestions on how to navigate the resources and data available. And if you want to reference this website, check "How to cite us" (http://microgastrinae.myspecies.info/content/how-cite-us).

We invite anyone interested in parasitoids of caterpillars to join this site, browse its contents, contribute/revise data, and help us to improve our work here. Thank you for visiting, and we hope that you come back soon!