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| Parasitic wasp , Order Hymenoptera, many spp.
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| Counteracts these pest(s) |
Aphid
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| How to recognize |
| Too small to be noticeable, these miniwasps don't sting people or pets. They range in size from the smallest insect known (about 1/50 inch) to about one inch, although most are on the small side. These parasites reproduce by laying their eggs in a pest host (adult or egg). The immature wasp feeds inside and kills its host. A round hole can be often seen where the adult parasite has chewed its way out. |
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| Benefits |
| Different species may attack aphids, whiteflies, and butterflies or moths, such as cabbage loopers and hornworms. |
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| How to attract |
| You need to have some of the prey around to be able to sustain populations of the parasite. |
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| If you buy |
| Many are available for sale to home gardeners. Examples are Encarsia formosa, which attacks greenhouse white flies, and Trichogramma species, which attack many caterpillar pests. |
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