Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasp
( Ophion sp. )
2016-0514-01020119-HYM02365-Ophion_sp[1049h51s,F,T,container]{RZucker}-G.jpg
PHOTO COMMENT
IDENTIFICATION
Identification:Ophion sp.
(Fabricius ,1798 )
Common Name:Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasp
Life Stage:T
PHYLOGENY
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Superorder:Holometabola
Order:Hymenoptera
Suborder:Apocrita
Family:Ichneumonidae
Subfamily:Ophioninae
Genus:Ophion
Taxon Code:HYM02365
LOCATION DETAILS
Location Name
Cerrito Creek, Albany
County:Alameda County
ECI Site#:CA01020000
RECOGNITION
Description
Abdomen long, compressed on the sides. Body pale yellow to reddish brown. Antennae and legs long, pale. Ovipositor of female barely visible at tip of abdomen. Wings clear.
Body Length
10-19 mm.
Diversity
Nearctic. 11 North American species. The Ophion species are one of the most common Ichneumon wasps in the U.S.
Colors
Color1: orange
BIOLOGY
Adult Ophion species will hunt for their host caterpillar. Usually one egg is laid per host. Caterpillar usually dies during pupal stage though wasp larva remains to pupate itself.
Food
Most all Ophion larva are parasites of caterpillars.
Habitat
Forest canopies and shrubby fields.
Range
Throughout the U.S.
Diversity
Nearctic. 11 North American species. The Ophion species are one of the most common Ichneumon wasps in the U.S.
Active Period
Adults are seen in late spring to late summer (May-August). Easily attracted to sheet lights.
CREDITS
Photographer
Robert Zucker
Insect Sciences Museum of California
References
Genus Ophion - Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasps. (http://bugguide.net/node/view/4866). Accessed March 12, 2016. .
The Audubon Society Field Guide to N. American Insects & Spiders

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