About Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid
A small endoparasitoid wasp that injects polydnavirus along with its eggs into caterpillar hosts. It is an important natural enemy of soybean looper and corn earworm.
Did You Know?
It injects a symbiotic virus along with its eggs that suppresses the caterpillar's immune system.
How to Identify Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid (Microplitis demolitor) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Braconidae. Adults typically measure 2-4 mm.
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid Habitat
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid is found in farmland habitats, particularly across North America, South America, Australia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid Diet and Feeding
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside or on a host insect, eventually killing it. Parasitoids are important biological control agents in agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Where Is Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid Found?
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid can be found in North America, South America, Australia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid can be found
Is Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid Dangerous?
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid Role in Nature
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid is an important biological control agent. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop inside host insects, naturally regulating pest populations. This makes it valuable in integrated pest management strategies.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid
What does Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid look like?
The Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid typically measures 2-4 mm.
Where is Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid found?
The Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid is found in North America, South America, Australia and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid eat?
The Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside a host, eventually killing it.
Is Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid dangerous to humans?
The Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid endangered?
The Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid?
It injects a symbiotic virus along with its eggs that suppresses the caterpillar's immune system.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid (Microplitis demolitor). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tobacco-caterpillar-braconid
MLA:
"Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tobacco-caterpillar-braconid.