The Ichneumon wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri lays its eggs into ticks. It seems to utilize a symbiotic virus to weaken the tick's immune system.

Ticks from the following genera are infected:

• Amblyomma
• Dermacentor
• Haemaphysalis
• Hyalomma
• Ixodes (for example Ixodes ricinus)
• Rhipicephalus

Because of the importance of I. hookeri as a natural enemy of ticks, it has been extensively researched.

Distribution

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I. hookeri occurs worldwide (except Antarctica).

Synonyms

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I. hookeri is also known under the following synonyms:

• I. caucurtei Buysson 1912
• Hunterellus hookeri Howard, 1908
• Habrolepis caniphila Risbec, 1951

External links

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• Short description + sketch
• I. hookeri at the Universal Chalcidoidea Database

Ixodiphagus hookeri