HYMENOPTERA

Bees, ants and wasps are some of the most recognizable insects, known for their critical role in pollination, their ubiquitous presence, and their stings. Hymenoptera also contains a vast number of microscopic species of parasitoid wasps, which develop in or on a host, killing it in the process of their development. This assemblage is hyper-diverse, but less well known because of their small size. However, they play an essential ecological role by controlling the populations of other insects and they are widely used for biological control of pests. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is involved in multiple projects that use these tiny organisms against invasive insects that threaten the state’s agriculture.