Parasitism and Predation: Parasitoid Wasps

True or False: Parasitoid wasps are known to be aggressive, often stinging people and other large animals

• True

• False

What animals are parasitoid wasps' primary targets for their parasitism?

• Smaller, Non-flying insects (Aphids, caterpillars)

• Larger, Flying Insects (Moths, dragonflies)

• Small Mammals (Squirrels, mice)

• Small Birds (Wrens, woodpeckers)

True or False: Parasitoid wasps are revered as beneficial insects and are commonly used for pest management

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What makes up most of an adult parasitoid wasp's diet?

• Nymphs and Larval stage insects

• Young wasps of other species

• Flower nectar and pollen

• Sap from woody plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

True or False: The majority of parasitoid wasps in America are very large and easily identifiable by either their unique thorax shape or patterns

• True

• False

How severely are insects parasitized by wasps impacted?

• Hardly at all -- Hosts usually live full life spans, parasites go unnoticed

• Severely -- Hosts live for only moments before they are killed by parasites

• Moderately -- Hosts often mature noticeably before parasites take effect

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

True or False: Mature parasitoid wasps usually spend very little of their time on their hosts.

• True

• False

How can parasitized aphids be identified?

• Contorted/Curled legs

• Parasite eggs found on underside of abdomen

• Darkened and papery exterior

• Fuzzy, white coating on exterior

How can parasitized hornworms be identified?

• Artificial cocoon covering the body

• Extremely shriveled appearance

• Paler coloration and bloated thorax/abdomen

• Wasp larvae/eggs found at end of insect body

True or False: Parasitoid wasps that initiate parasitism, rather than predation, are always female.

• True

• False