Ichneumonoidea
Ichneumon wasps are insects classified in the parasitica group of the Suborder Apocrita, within the Order Hymenoptera. Sometimes incorrectly called Ichneumon flies, they are solitary insects, most are parasitoids - the larvae feeding on or in another insect which finally dies. Ichneumons are closely related to ants and bees.
 Ichneumon wasp: body size about 20mm
The Superfamily Ichneumonoidea (consisting of two families: The Ichneumonidae and the Braconidae) has been estimated to contain well over 80,000 different species. Some members use many different insects as a host, others are very specific in host choice. Various Ichneumons are used successfully as biological contral agents in controlling pests such as flies or beetles.
 Ichneumon wasp attacking a case moth caterpillar pupa
IcneumonWasp: body size about 15mm
References:
http://eny3005.ifas.ufl.edu/lab1/Hymenoptera/Ichneumonid.htm
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/chf/outreach/good/card22.htm
See also:
- An interesting account of an observer's encounter with Ichneumons.
Referenced By
Hymenoptera
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