Encarsia inaron

Encarsia inaron are very tiny wasps measuring approximately 0.5 millimetres (0.020 in), thus requiring a magnifying glass for better visibility. Unlike like most wasps, they do not have a stinger. Males and females can be distinguished based on their body color patterns. Both adult males and females possess black head and eyes and clear wings, but females display a yellow abdomen while males display a black one.[3]

These wasps are mostly found in woody shrubs and trees.[4]

An adult E. inaron deposits its eggs on the ash whitefly, where it develops inside. Inside the abdomen of the ash whitefly, the larvae begins to grow and have a sickle-shape. Before the end of development, the adult E inaron bursts out of the ash whitefly, thereby killing it. Maturation takes roughly three weeks.[3]

Prior to the introduction of E.inaron in California, ash whitefly infestation was pervasive. Ash, pear, and ornamental trees were naked, for leaves have fallen to the ground. Beginning in 1989 when the parasitoid wasps were established, ash whitefly population declined significantly. Within two years, ash whiteflies were virtually eliminated. As a result, it saved cities money from being spent on managing ash whitefly infestation.[5]