Aleiodes

Description

The defining trait of the subfamily is a cyclostome mouth, a circular opening formed by a dorso-ventrally short clypeus and a concave labrum, bordered below by the mandibles. The first three abdominal segments are heavily sculptured, often with longitudinal ridges. Females are distinguished by a short ovipositor (sheaths are usually no longer than the hind basitarsus), making them distinct from other Braconidae groups.

There are thousands of species worldwide with about 40 UK species identified so far.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Life History

The females deposits eggs in caterpillars of various species. The eggs hatch and the wasp larva feeds on the caterpillar leaving a hardened skin, or mummy. The wasp pupates within the mummy and eventually the adult breaks out, leaving a small hole in the husk of the caterpillar.

UK Status

Common and widespread. 

Leicestershire & Rutland Status

Under recorded due to identification difficulty. 

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - hymenopteran
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Braconidae
Records on NatureSpot:
3
First record:
21/04/2011 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
06/05/2026 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

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Latest records