''Encarsia inaron'' is a

parasitoid wasp Parasitoid wasps are a large group of hymenopteran superfamilies, with all but the wood wasps (Orussoidea) being in the wasp-waisted Apocrita. As parasitoids, they lay their eggs on or in the bodies of other arthropods, sooner or later causin ...

used in the control of ash whitefly, '' Siphoninus phillyreae''. The ash whitefly is an insect from Europe that feeds on the sap of plants, and which has become a pest in North America. ''E. inaron'' was acquired from Italy and Israel and brought to California in 1989.

Appearance

''Encarsia inaron'' are very tiny wasps measuring approximately , thus requiring a magnifying glass for better visibility. Unlike like most wasps, they do not have a

stinger A stinger (or sting) is a sharp organ found in various animals (typically insects and other arthropods) capable of injecting venom, usually by piercing the epidermis of another animal. An insect sting is complicated by its introduction of ve ...

. Males and females can be distinguished based on their body color patterns. Both adult males and females possess black head and eyes and clear wings, but females display a yellow abdomen while males display a black one.

Habitat

These wasps are mostly found in woody shrubs and trees.

Life cycle

An adult ''E. inaron'' deposits its eggs on the ash whitefly, where it develops inside. Inside the abdomen of the ash whitefly, the larvae begins to grow and have a sickle-shape. Before the end of development, the adult ''E inaron'' bursts out of the ash whitefly, thereby killing it. Maturation takes roughly three weeks.

Usefulness

Prior to the introduction of ''E.inaron'' in California, ash whitefly infestation was pervasive. Ash, pear, and ornamental trees were naked, for leaves have fallen to the ground. Beginning in 1989 when the parasitoid wasps were established, ash whitefly population declined significantly. Within two years, ash whiteflies were virtually eliminated. As a result, it saved cities money from being spent on managing ash whitefly infestation.Abstract
/ref>

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q5375318 Aphelinidae Biological pest control wasps Insects used as insect pest control agents Insects described in 1839