Superfamily Ichneumonoidea - Braconids and Ichneumons

Pronotum more or less triangular in profile, and extending to tegula or nearly so. Antennae threadlike, usually with at least 16 segments. Hind trochanters 2-segmented. Ovipositor rises in front of apex of abdomen, non-retractable, often as long or longer than body. Venation usually normal. FW without a costal cell.

Gavin Broad's key to the subfamilies of Ichneumonidae(1) may not cover all of the NA subfamilies, but is extremely helpful all the same.

Diagram comparing recurrent vein(s) of Braconid and Ichneumonid wings (Washington State University).

Parasites of other arthropods

A very biodiverse and important group. Many are valuable biocontrol agents that control populations of agricultural and forest pest insects. Wasplike in appearance, but (with rare exceptions) do not sting.

POLYDNAVIRUSES. Two subfamilies of Ichneumonidae (Campopleginae and Banchinae) and 6 subfamilies of Braconidae (Microgastrinae, Miracinae, Cheloninae (including Adeliinae), Cardiochilinae, Khoikhoiinae, and Mendesellinae) carry polydnavirus DNA in their genomes, and release polydnaviruses into the host when the eggs are injected. The polydnaviruses suppress the host's immune system, thus protecting parasitoid progeny from host defenses.(2), (3), (4)