Objective To observe the effect of adult cold storage on the longevity and reproductive capacity of female Nasonia vitripennis. Methods The female N. vitripennis emerged on different days were cold stored at 15 ℃ for different period. Their longevity, parasitic capacity and reproductive capacity were then measured. Results The longevity of female N. vitripennis was extended after cold storage at adult stage. However, as the cold storage time prolonged, the parasitic and reproductive capacities were compromised. At a cold storage time for less than 12 d, the impact on these capacities of female N. vitripennis was not remarkable. In contrast, after cold storage of over 12 d, the egg production and parasitic capacities declined linearly. After cold stored for 24 d, the parasitic ratio of Boettcherisca peregrina by N. vitripennis reduced to 35% from 85% before cold storage and the average emerging parasitoid progeny to 6 from 33 per fly pupa. However, the female adult rate and the body length of the progeny were not affected. Conclusion Adult cold storage extends the longevity of female N. vitripennis at the cost of reproductive capability.