Bionomics of the Braconidae

Abstract

The family Braconidae (Hymenoptera) contains >15 000 species. Adults oviposit almost exclusively in, on or near other insects. These parasitic wasps are much used in biological control, and they are also important to the study of host-parasitoid interactions. Attention is paid to the evolution of endoparasitism, distinguishing between idiobionts (permanent paralysis or death of host) and koinobionts (temporary or no paralysis). Nearly all braconids are either koinobiont endoparasitoids or idiobiont ectoparasitoids. Most cyclostomes are ectoparasitoids, nonclyclostomes (the majority of the braconid subfamilies) endoparasitoids. Patterns in the utilisation of host taxa are reviewed, the question of host specificity is raised, and relationships between exposed and concealed hosts and associated oviposition behaviour are noted. Latitudinal gradients of species richness are taxon-dependent. Behaviour associated with host selection is reported, physiological interaction (including larval feeding and development) between endoparasitoids and their hosts is reviewed, and observations are made on progeny allocation. -P.J.Jarvis