|
The Orchid Dupe Wasp has four white spots on each side of the abdomen.
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
|
Orchid Dupe Wasp
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
|
|
|
ORCHID DUPE WASP FACTS |
Identification
The Orchid Dupe Wasp is a medium sized wasp with mainly orange body and dark wings. The abdomen has broad black band with four white spots on each side. The long thin antennae curl upwards at the ends. Females have a stout black ovipositor that is about half the body length. It is called the Orchid Dupe because some species of orchids mimic the odour and appearance of female Lissopimpla wasps. The male Lissopimpla wasps mistake the flowers for females pollinating the orchid.
Size
body length 25mm
Breeding
The female wasp inserts her eggs inside caterpillar larva using her ovipositor. The developing wasp feeds inside the caterpillar.
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Hymenoptera | | Family: | Ichneumonidae | | Genus: | Lissopimpla | | Species: | excelsa | | Common Name: | Orchid Dupe Wasp |
|
|
