Adult braconid wasps are small (usually less than 15 mm long) and stout-bodied. Biologies of braconids are similar to those of ichneumonids except many braconids pupate in silken cocoons on the outside of the body of the host and others spin silken cocoons apart from the host. Braconid wasps parasitize many insects, but most often aphids and larvae of moths, beetles, and flies. Bodies of parasitized aphids swell and harden into "mummies". The adult wasp emerges through a circular hole it cuts in the aphid mummy's skin.

One of the most common and important braconid parasites in sorghum is Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson). This shiny, slender black wasp commonly is seen in aphid, especially greenbug, colonies. The aphid mummies are tan to gold.

The many species of ichneumonid wasps are distributed widely. Adult size and markings vary. Most are wasp-like, and females have long ovipositors, often longer than the body. Most of these wasps are internal parasites of immature stages of the host. The parasite may complete development in the stage of the host in which the egg is laid or in a later stage. Most groups of insects are parasitized by ichneumonids.

Chalcid wasps are metallic blue or green and small (2 mm). Many species live inside minute insects or eggs of scale insects, aphids, caterpillars, or flies.