In addition to their role in gene regulation, they participate in chromosomal rearrangements, notably inversions, and certain elements may participate in speciation. In other cases, the domestication of TE results in their integration into the host genome in a modified form.
Several species parasitize other insects by laying eggs inside the body of caterpillars.
Hymenoptera use several strategies to undermine the immune responses of the host, including the introduction of viral particles into the host. Viral proteins expressed in infected host cells cause modifications in host immunity, growth and development. The association between viral particles and the hymenoptera which carry them can take several forms. For example, ascoviruses use hymenoptera as vectors for transmission in insect populations. Ascoviruses do not induce pathology in hymenoptera, but generally cause the rapid death of parasitized insects.