Echthromorpha intricatoria

Echthromorpha intricatoria, also known as the cream-spotted ichneumon, is a common wasp found in Australia[1] and New Zealand. It cannot sting and does not build nests, and is harmless to humans.[2] The female injects eggs into pupae of moths and butterflies with the ovipositor, particularly favouring the Nymphalidae (admiral family). Metacrias huttoni has been shown to be a host species for E. intricatoria.[3]

Echthromorpha intricatoria
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Superfamily:
Family:
Genus:
Echthromorpha
Species:
E. intricatoria
Binomial name
Echthromorpha intricatoria
(Fabricius, 1804)

The body is mostly black with creamy plates on the sides of the abdomen. The clear wings have a span of around 3 centimetres (1.2 in). Antennae and legs are orange.

References

  1. Australian Insects - John Child, page 74. Library of Congress Catalog Card 6822996
  2. "A question about Echthromorpha intricatoria (Ichneumon wasp) behaviour". Monarch Trust NZ Forum. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
  3. Ward, D. F.; Schnitzler, F. R. (2013). "ICHNEUMONIDAE: Pimplinae: Echthromorpha Holmgren, 1868". www.landcareresearch.co.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand. Retrieved 18 January 2017.


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