The ichneumon wasps, with around 30,000 species, belong to the Hymenoptera and resemble wasps or ants. The Ichneumonidae are known as "true ichneumon wasps" (also known as chalcid wasps). Their larvae are beneficial insects in viticulture because they prey on various insect pests. The females use their long ovipositor to lay eggs on or in the host (even through hard wood). The larvae usually live as parasites in the larvae or pupae of the host. There is usually only one generation per year, overwintering as females or adult larvae. The pupae and larvae are attacked by grapevine mealybugs, rhomb moths, budworms, grape berry moths and cicadas (vine cicadas). See also under insects and vine enemies.
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