| Name: |
Aphid Wasp |
| AKA: |
Little Al |
| Scientific Name: |
Anegrous epos |
| Description: |
Less than 1/16 inch; resembles a true wasp on a small
scale. Black in color with large transparent wings, usually 1 1/2
times the length of the body. Antennae have numerous segments and
are almost as long as the body. Wings have very few veins. |
| Diet: |
Adults feed on nectar, honeydew (aphid excrement), and
secreted substances from other insects. The larvae are internal parasites
of aphids. The female aphid wasp lays an egg beneath the exoskeleton
of the aphid and the developing larvae feed on the aphid, eventually
killing it. The larvae develop into winged adults which can then fly
away and parasitize other aphids. |
| Habitat: |
Meadows, deciduous forests and gardens. Because the
wasp parasitizes other insects (that damage vegetation) they are often
regarded as a very important agent in natural biological control of
insect pests. |
| Wanted For: |
Helping to discourage aphids from damaging your garden.
|
| Last Known Location: |
Sitting on the abdomen of a bean aphid. |
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