Scientific name: Elasmus sp.

Common name: Elasmid wasp

IRRI7305-_10.jpg (16400 bytes)
Adult wasp of Elasmus sp.

 

 

Taxonomy:

Class Insecta
Order Hymenoptera
Family Elasmidae

Economic importance

Parasitoid.

Host

Leaffolder larvae.

Description

Elasmus sp. is black and elongate. It has a red and pointed abdomen and thin and flattened femora. The hind coxae are much enlarged. The anterior side of the hind tibia has prominent diamond-shaped bands.

The body of Elasmus sp. is spindle-shaped.

Biology and ecology

Elasmus sp. is common in all rice environments. The female parasitoid lays 1 to 2 eggs on young or old leaffolder larvae. The parasitic larvae will kill other parasite larvae developing on the same host. The adult parasitoid emerges from the larva or pupa and has a life span of 2-4 days.

Selected references

Borror DJ, Delong DM, Tripplehorn CA. 1976. An introduction to the study of insects. New York (USA): Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. 852 p.

Shepard BM, Barrion AT, Litsinger JA. 1987. Helpful insect, spiders, and pathogens. Manila (Philippines): International Rice Research Institute. 127 p.