A parasitic wasp is perched on a coconut frond, waiting to catch its prey at Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on June 27, 2026. Parasitic wasps, or parasitoid wasps, are small insects that play a vital role in natural pest control. They are called "parasitic" because they lay their eggs inside or on harmful pest insects. The larvae of female parasitic wasps develop inside the host insect and eventually kill it. These wasps are highly specialized, with different species targeting specific pests. Parasitic wasps have a distinct, constricted waist (known as a petiole), a polished black body, and clear wings that are folded over their abdomen. They are usually quite small, often measuring only a few millimeters in length. As beneficial insects, they help reduce the population of harmful insects, making them valuable allies in horticulture and agriculture. Unlike chemical pesticides, parasitic wasps are natural agents of pest control and do not harm beneficial insects, animals, or the environment.
Editorial use only Contact your sales representative for commercial and promotional uses.License this clip
More footage filed by NurPhoto videographers.