''Binodoxys communis'' is a

parasitoid In evolutionary ecology, a parasitoid is an organism that lives in close association with its host (biology), host at the host's expense, eventually resulting in the death of the host. Parasitoidism is one of six major evolutionarily stable str ...

wasp of the genus ''

Binodoxys ''Binodoxys'' is a genus of parasitoid wasp of the subfamily Aphidiinae which are noted parasitoids of aphids. Its species generally prey on aphids which live on herbaceous plants Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent ...

''. The genus ''Binodoxys'' is located in the subfamily ''

Aphidiinae The Aphidiinae are a subfamily of tiny parasitoid wasps that use aphids as their hosts. Several species have been used in biological control programs of various aphids. Biology and distribution Aphidiines are koinobiont endoparasitoids of ad ...

'' which are noted parasitoids of aphids.

Description

The adults of ''Binodoxys communis'' are approximately 1.2 mm in length. This small braconid wasp has a brown head, antennae, legs, and thorax. The wing venation is brown and the wings are nearly hyaline. The first tergite, trochanters, and the base of the tibiae are yellow. The rest of the abdomen is brown. Ovipositer sheaths and prongs are relatively lighter in color.

Economic value

''Binodoxys communis'' was released in the United States prior to 1979 to control ''Aphis gossypii'' (Glover), but establishment resulting from that release was questionable. ''Binodoxys communis'' was vetted and released in the United States again in 2007 to control the soybean aphid, ''Aphis glycines'' Matsumura.Wyckhuys KAG, Stone L, Desneux N, Hoelmer KA, Hopper KR, Heimpel GE. 2008. "Parasitism of the soybean aphid, ''Aphis glycines'' by ''Binodoxys communis'': the role of aphid defensive behavior and parasitoid reproductive performance". Bulletin of Entomological Research. 98(4): 361-370. Establishment of ''B. communis'' throughout the United States has been questionable, likely due to reduced aphid population because of fungal pathogens, competition with other species of parasitoid, and prophylactic usage of pesticides.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q2520474 Braconidae Insects described in 1926