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A female Braconidae wasp. Red head and thorax, abdomen top black with white underneath. Wings, ovipositor and hind legs black. Exactly 37mm in length from forehead to the tip of its ovipositor. Its long distinctive ovipositor has thick hairs, reasons still unknown to me. Similar (but not the same species) with Disophrys erythrocephala and several Bassus sp. and Zelodia sp. from http://www.pensoft.net/J_FILES/1/article... I have received a suggestion from Donald Quicke that this is a Chaoilta (Blastomorpha) decorata. C (B.) decorata - http://australianmuseum.net.au/uploads/j...
Spotted and captured by my father in a mangrove swamp area opposite Bukit Tengkorak in Semporna, Sabah. Another spotting from Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/thirnbeck/2... spotted near a stream, suggesting this species associate with habitats that have streams.
Also spotted in West Malaysia (http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/field...) This wasp was slow-flying reported by my dad, it did not fly away when I put it on my fingers, making it easier to photograph. >>>Map accuracy: 1km diameter.
Spotted on Jan 24, 2013
Submitted on Jan 26, 2013
13 Comments
Awesome spotting Chun
Welcome and thank you all.
These wasps use their powerful ovipositor to lay eggs into their victims (host) but I still don't know why it's ovipositor is that hairy.
The 3 dots on the forehead is it's ocelli, also known as simple eyes, all wasps have them.
Awesome, Chun! Second photo is just perfect.
WOW! Incredible series!
Wow! Fascinating series!!! The ovipositor is as long as the body and looks like a saw! Love the three dots on the forehead, too.
Wonderful shots. A bit scary though... Thanks for sharing.
Very nice series. I like your second picture, beautiful. I still wonder the purpose of the long ovipositor (?)
nice find!
Nice details!! thank you sharing
Thank you guys.
I had my first bee sting in 2004 when I caught a bee with my hand.
After that incident, I began handling more bees and wasps with my barehand.
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME !
Fortunately, I was never stung again. You will be seeing me uploading several more spottings of bees and wasps on my skin.
Great shots Chun.
They are terrific shots Chun. And its an amazing weapon she has. I feel nervous watching you hold it.
very nice ChunXingWong!