cotesia
Insecta (Hexapoda) > Hymenoptera > Braconidae
Cotesia congregata (Say)
Host: burley tobacco
Nicotiana tabacum L.
Photographer: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Slide Set, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Contact: J. Michael Moore, The University of Georgia
Descriptor: Adult(s)
Description: The braconid wasp an important parasite of the tobacco hornworm. The larval stage is a small, white legless grub that develops inside the hornworm. Parasitized hornworms are easily recognized after the wasp larvae spin their white football- shaped cocoons. When the parasite becomes an adult, it leaves through an opening in the end of the cocoon and searches for other hornworms. By late summer 90% or more of the hornworm found on tobacco may be parasitized. Hornworms with cocoons may live for several days but do not feed. Insecticides should not be applied if parasitized hornworms are abundant in the field.
Image Citation:
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Slide Set, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, www.forestryimages.org
Image Use:
This image may be copied and used, in whole or in part, for any non-profit, educational purpose provided that all reproductions bear an appropriate credit. Any commercial or other use of the image requires the written permission of the photographer or contact organization, and Forestry Images.