Case Moth Larvae Parasite Wasp - female

Description:

This small wasp was about 10 mm long and very active. The narrow abdomen had thin white bands and a moderate size ovipositor. Head, antennae and thorax were black. The hind legs had black and white markings while the other legs were a pale yellow.

Habitat:

Spotted actively searching low plants (in this case the bumblebee weed) in a riparian area.

Notes:

The wasp searches for and pierces the sac which houses the case moth larva. It reportedly kills the larva by stinging it and then lays the eggs inside the case. The developing wasp larvae feed on the moth larva.
Family: Ichneumonidae Subfamily: Pimplinae