Braconidae
Pronunciation: [Bre·CON·i·dee]
Common Name: Braconid Wasps
Description: This is a family of mostly small, slender parasitoid wasps. They have thread-like antennae with 16 or more segments. They differ from ichneumon wasps (family Ichneumonidae) in have only a single recurrent vein in the front wing. Many braconids are brown or black with a reddish abdomen. Larvae are parasitoids of other insects and considered to be important biological control agents.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Thread-like antennae with 16 or more segments
- Trochanters of hind legs are two-segmented
- Forewings with two recurrent veins
- Forewings with two small cells below the stigma
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Order: Hymenoptera
