Encarsia formosa is a parasitoid used worldwide for the biological con
trol of whiteflies on vegetables and ornamental plants grown in greenh
ouses. Because of outstanding success in controlling Trialeurodes vapo
rariorum on tomatoes, the biology and behavior of this wasp have been
intensively studied to identify attributes that contribute to successf
ul biological control and how best to manipulate augmentative releases
into greenhouses to suppress whitefly population growth. In this arti
cle, we review the biology of adult and immature E. formosa, populatio
n dynamics of whitefly-parasitoid interactions, and commercial use in
greenhouses. Deficits in knowledge of aspects of E. formosa's biology
and use are noted.