Trichogramma Wasps are among the smallest insects, having a wingspread of about 1/50th of an inch. Despite its size, this beneficial insect is an efficient destroyer of the eggs of more than 200 species of moths and butterflies which are leaf eaters in the larval (caterpillar) stage. Trichogramma seek out eggs, but do not feed on or harm vegetation. It is a particularly effective control agent because it kills its host before a plant can be damaged. Some moth eggs attacked by trichogramma are: armyworm, bagworm, European corn borer, peach borer, squash borer, cankerworm, alfalfa caterpillar, cutworm, corn earworm, wax moth, tomato hornworm, cabbage looper, and codling moth.
During her 9-11 day life, the female wasp will seek out and destroy about 100 pest eggs by laying an egg inside of it. As the tiny parasites develop inside they consume the contents. Depending upon climatic conditions a new adult will emerge in about a week. The short life cycle allows the parasite population to increase rapidly. |
