Which parasitic wasp, *Cyzenus argus*, is introduced for biological control of the Winter Moth?
Answer
A parasitic wasp that lays its eggs inside the Winter Moth larvae.
Management strategies for the invasive Winter Moth population in North America often incorporate biological control agents sourced from the moth's native European range. One such agent introduced is the parasitic wasp known as *Cyzenus argus*. The mechanism of control employed by this wasp is parasitism: the adult wasp deposits its own eggs inside the body of the developing Winter Moth larvae. When the wasp eggs hatch, the developing wasp larvae consume the host from within, thus naturally regulating the population density of the moth caterpillars during their damaging feeding period.
Related Questions
What is the typical appearance of the female Winter Moth compared to the male?When do the destructive Winter Moth larvae feed most actively on deciduous trees?What stage of the Winter Moth life cycle overwinters in dormancy?What is the wingspan range typically observed for the male Winter Moth?In North America, when and where was *Operophtera brumata* first detected as an invasive species?Which broadleaf hardwood trees are listed as favorite hosts for the Winter Moth caterpillars?Which parasitic wasp, *Cyzenus argus*, is introduced for biological control of the Winter Moth?During what months does the adult emergence period for *Operophtera brumata* generally occur?What prevents the female Winter Moth from actively seeking mates during the flight window?Where do the Winter Moth larvae go after completing their feeding frenzy by mid-summer?