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Braconidae
Braconidae is a family of parasitoid wasps. Braconids are often black-brown, though some species exhibit striking coloration and pattern. They have one or no recurrent veins. Wing venation patterns are also divergent to apparent randomness. The antennae have 16 segments or more; the hind trochanters have 2 segments. Females often have long ovipositors, an organ that largely varies intraspecifically. This variation is closely related to the host species upon which the wasp deposits its egg. Species that parasitize microlepidoptera, for instance, have longer ovipositors, presumably to reach the caterpillar through layers of plant tissue. Some wasps also have long ovipositors because of caterpillar defense mechanisms such as spines or hairs.
Backyard garden.
4 Comments
Thanks Maria! :)
Nice series, Agnes!
Thank you, Jellyfishnebula and Nuwan.
Beautiful photograph!