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Braconidae (Family) Callibracon sp.
Gall forming scale insects produce protective elongated galls but the wasp has a suitably elongated ovipositor.
Galls are sometimes prolific on mature gum trees. The wasps are regular visitors.
The last pic taken 24 May 2012 of a suspected developing larva of the wasp.
Spotted on Jan 4, 2012
Submitted on Jan 4, 2012
13 Comments
Jemma, the last two pics are a wasp larva. They are inside many of the galls. It has eaten the psyllid bug and is soon to pupate. The bug looks like this http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/869... or this http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/217... ,
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/114...
So Martini,if you open the gall up,would you find Wasp eggs and the nymphs of the scale insect inside the gall?
Thanks John La Salle for the correction. I agree this is a (family) braconidae wasp but I just saw the long ovipositor and made an assumption. Both however are the same Superfamily Ichneumonoidea - Braconids and Ichneumons
This is a fantastic series of pictures. I think that the wasp is a Braconidae (not Ichneumonidae).
I have added a pic taken today of the developing parasitic wasp larva inside the gall.
Very nice .super
I can't imagine the acrobatics required to properly utilise that device.
And they come in all sizes=)
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/793...
They can be used in biological pest control.
Super shots martin. What an excellent situation. Well done.
Thanks guys, I've just corrected the multiple images. (PN doesn't like me double clicking)
Fabulous shot,
Congratulations for having such a wonderful series,,
this is such a cool spotting martinl ,very informative pics as well
thanks for sharing!!