Trichogramma attack the eggs of many moth and butterfly species in various crops. Almost microscopic, stingless wasps that are generally sold as immatures inside moth eggs, often glued to small cards. May also be sold loose for mechanical application. Biocontrol significance Trichogramma wasps can successfully suppress moth and butterfly pests under appropriate conditions and when appropriate release methodologies are used.
Some species are present naturally, but numbers are usually too low to satisfactorily control pests.
Life history Female Trichogramma wasps lay one or more eggs within recently laid host eggs. Immatures develop within the egg, killing it before the caterpillar can hatch. Eggs typically turn black before adult wasps emerge. The supplier will specify the number of wasps per card. It is important that the honey does not drip because wasps can get stuck in the honey.