IBraconid Wasp > Braconidae

Description: Braconidae is a family of parasitoid wasps and one of the richest families of insects. From 50,000 and 150,000 species exist worldwide. The morphological variation among braconids is notable. Braconids are often black-brown (sometimes with reddish markings), though some species exhibit striking coloration and pattern, being parts of Mullerian mimicry complexes. They have one or no recurrent veins, contrarily to other members of the Ichneumonoidea which usually have two. Wing venation patterns are also divergent to apparent randomness. The antennae have 16 segments or more; the hind trochanters have 2 segments. Females often have long ovipositors, an organ that largely varies intraspecifically. This variation is closely related to the host species upon which the wasp deposits its egg. For instance, species that parasitize microlepidoptera have longer ovipositors, presumably to reach the caterpillar through layers of plant tissue. Some wasps also have long ovipositors because of caterpillar defense mechanisms such as spines or hairs. Return to Wasps Index Return to Main Index digital, cameras, dslr, nikon, canon, lenses, tripods, flash, photography, nature, macro, close-up