Farms.com Home   News

Good Bug Corner-Parasitic Wasps

By Janet J. Knodel
Extension Entomologist
 
This week’s Good Bug Corner featured insects are parasitic wasps in the insect family Braconidae. These tiny parasitic wasps (or parasitoids) lay eggs within foliage-feeding caterpillars, such as armyworms, loopers, etc.. Eggs hatch into larvae, and they eat the insides of the caterpillar killing it. Braconid parasitization often causes the caterpillar to crawl up the tip of the plant before dying! The mature wasp larvae emerge and then spin cocoons outside the caterpillar body. Extension Entomology has received many calls/emails about these Braconid cocoons and whether it is a friend or foe in field crops. This good bug is being observed on wheat awns and on soybean leaves. 
 
 
ent.knodel.1
 
 

Trending Video

my new barn is destroyed

Video: my new barn is destroyed

Welcome to our family farm in Ontario! Join us as we share what it takes to raise healthy laying hens and produce top-quality Grade A eggs — and now, we’re taking things a step further by producing specialized eggs used in vaccine development!

Every day brings something new: gathering fresh eggs, mixing feed, planting and harvesting crops, and raising our hens from day-old chicks to productive, happy birds. Once the chores are done, the work doesn’t stop — you’ll find us fixing equipment, welding, restoring classic cars, or tackling unexpected projects around the farm.

If you love farm life, agriculture, and behind-the-scenes action, hit that subscribe button and come along for the ride. There’s always something exciting happening on the farm — and we can’t wait to share it with you!