Parasitic Wasp (Anagyrus) Life Cycle

A. Oviposition: Female Anagyrus wasp lays her egg inside the mealybug (2nd to 4th instar) and it hatches.

B. Larval Development: Wasp larva develops inside the mealybug causing the mealybug to cease feeding and to become sluggish. Mealybug appears slightly darker in color as this process occurs.

C. Pupation: Mealybug Mummy - Wasp larva continues to develop and then turns into a pupa inside the mealybug. The outside covering becomes darker and harder compared to a mealybug that still alive and feeding.

D. Emerging Adult: Adult wasp is ready to emerge from the mummy so a small exit hole is made, and the wasp emerges into the environment to continue the life cycle.

Slides courtesy of the University of California