Brachonid Wasps

Family Braconidae

Coeloides brunneri. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Braconids are parasitoids of caterpillars, sawflies and various beetles. Many species have been valuable in controlling insect pests. Some larvae are internal parasitoids while others are attached to the outside of the host's body and feed through the host cuticle. Some braconids pupate in silken cocoons attached to the outside of the host body, others spin silken cocoons entirely separate from the host. Braconidae are small, usually black wasps. The abdomen is about as long as the head and thorax combined. They are usually more stout-bodied than the similar ichneumonids. Braconids are distinguished from ichneumons by a small difference in the venation of the front wing.