The Chalcid 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.
Read more about Ixodiphagus Hookeri: Distribution, Synonyms