Cotesia

Cotesia is a genus of tiny parasitic wasps that help control pest populations, especially caterpillars and larvae. These wasps lay their eggs inside the bodies of pest insects. When the wasp eggs hatch, their larvae develop by feeding on the host from the inside out, eventually killing it. This natural parasitic relationship makes Cotesia species valuable for biological pest control, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. They are important for sustainable agriculture, acting as biological agents to keep pest numbers in check while minimizing environmental impact.