Parasitoids predatory parasites

Hymenoptera are small wasps with a wasp waist. The larvae are like maggots and are either endoparasitic (living in the body of the host) or ectoparasitic (attached to the outside of the host animal). 

The eggs are laid into or on to the host animal hy means of an ovipositor. The larvae feed first on the less important organs of the host animal, so that the latter can remain alive until the parasitic larva pupates. The success of a parasitization is not estahlished until the next generation. The Hymenoptera are subdivided into three groups  

ICHNEUMON FLIES (ichneumonidae). The distinguishing feature of the ichneumon flies is a mark on the wing. They are not very often found in orchards. 

BRACONiD WASPS (bracconidae). These are smaller than ichneumon flies (1-10 mm in size) and not so strikingly coloured. 

Braconid wasps parasitize leafroller caterpillars, codling moth caterpillars, leafminer caterpillars, mealy apple aphid, green apple aphid. 

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