Cream-spotted ichneumon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cream-spotted ichneumon |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Ichneumonidae
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| Genus: |
Echthromorpha
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| Species: |
E. intricatoria
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| Binomial name | |
| Echthromorpha intricatoria (Fabricius, 1804)
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The Echthromorpha intricatoria, also known as the cream-spotted ichneumon, is a common type of wasp. You can find it in Australia and New Zealand. Don't worry, this wasp is completely harmless to humans! It cannot sting and does not build nests.
What is the Cream-Spotted Ichneumon?
The cream-spotted ichneumon is a fascinating insect. It belongs to a large family of wasps called Ichneumonidae. These wasps are known for their unique way of laying eggs.
How to Spot This Wasp
The Echthromorpha intricatoria has a mostly black body. It has creamy-colored plates on the sides of its abdomen. Its clear wings spread about 3 centimeters wide. The antennae and legs of this wasp are orange.
A Wasp's Special Way of Laying Eggs
Female cream-spotted ichneumons have a special tool called an ovipositor. This is a long, needle-like part at the end of their body. They use it to lay their eggs inside the pupae of moths and butterflies. Pupae are the resting stage, like a cocoon, before an insect becomes an adult.
The female wasp especially likes to lay her eggs in the pupae of butterflies from the Nymphalidae family. This family includes well-known butterflies like the admirals. Scientists have found that the Metacrias huttoni moth is one of the host species for E. intricatoria. This means the wasp lays its eggs inside the pupae of this specific moth.
