Cotesia
ExploreInsects
Cotesia
cotesia
Cotesia are tiny wasps that help protect plants by controlling caterpillar populations. They are fascinating because they lay their eggs inside caterpillars, which helps keep the garden healthy!
Habitat: Cotesia live in gardens, fields, and forests where caterpillars are found.
Appearance
The Cotesia is a tiny, slender wasp, typically black or dark brown, with two pairs of clear, membranous wings and long, thin antennae. Its body is smooth and often shiny, giving it a sleek appearance that distinguishes it from more robust flies or bees.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyBraconidaeGenusCotesia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Cotesia wasps can drink flower nectar, giving them the energy needed to find their caterpillar targets! Wow!
After Cotesia larvae burst out, the caterpillar often stops eating and sometimes even guards the wasp cocoons! Wow!
Some Cotesia species inject a special virus into their host to keep their eggs safe from the caterpillar's defenses! Wow!
These amazing wasps are often smaller than a single grain of rice, making them super hard to spot! Wow!
Special abilities
Ability
Caterpillar Transformer
Cotesia can lay its eggs inside caterpillars, transforming the host into a nursery and food source for its growing larvae.
Ability
Immune System Dodger
Cotesia has special viruses that suppress the host caterpillar's immune system, protecting its eggs from being destroyed.
Ability
Zombie Commander
Some Cotesia larvae can make the caterpillar guard their cocoons, protecting them even after the larvae have burst out!
Ability
Scent Detective
Cotesia can sniff out chemical signals released by plants under attack, guiding them directly to their caterpillar hosts.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 3-6 mm
- Size
- 2-4 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-25 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Cotesia wasps drink nectar, while their young feast on the insides of caterpillars as parasites.
Age differences: Adults feed on plant sugars for energy; larvae are endoparasitoids, consuming the internal tissues of host caterpillars.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- honeydew
- plant sap
Foraging Method
- Null
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Cabbage White Butterfly
Pieris rapae
A common caterpillar host for several Cotesia species.
parasitizes
Beet Armyworm
Spodoptera exigua
Cotesia helps control this significant agricultural pest.
eaten by
Flower Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
Ambush predators that catch adult wasps on flowers.
depends on
Canada Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Adult wasps feed on the nectar from these flowers.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Caterpillar killerCotesia waspMicro wasp
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cotesia's wingspan?
3-6 mm
How big is Cotesia?
2-4 mm
How long does Cotesia live?
10-25 days
What does Cotesia eat?
Adult Cotesia wasps drink nectar, while their young feast on the insides of caterpillars as parasites.
Where is Cotesia usually found?
Cotesia live in gardens, fields, and forests where caterpillars are found.
How does Cotesia hunt?
Null
How many legs does Cotesia have?
6
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