Beautiful little Ichneumon Wasp on an oak leaf
I found this striking Ichneumon Wasp (family Ichneumonidae, Hymenoptera) on a leaf of Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia, Fagaceae) today. At least I believe it's an Ichneumon, but I don't have a clue what kind it is beyond that - it's a large group. The colors are remarkable, especially that turquoise band on the wasp's rear end. I found it perched on this oak leaf, and it was gone a moment later. Maybe I've found the same wasp before, see this photo - though that one doesn't have that pretty turquoise band. If you know about this wasp, I would appreciate a comment. (San Marcos Pass, 24 January 2019)
It was sunny and warmer today - up to the low-60s even on our shady side of the canyon. I'm having better luck finding insects than mushrooms right now - and it was raining cats and dogs just a week ago!
Beautiful little Ichneumon Wasp on an oak leaf
I found this striking Ichneumon Wasp (family Ichneumonidae, Hymenoptera) on a leaf of Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia, Fagaceae) today. At least I believe it's an Ichneumon, but I don't have a clue what kind it is beyond that - it's a large group. The colors are remarkable, especially that turquoise band on the wasp's rear end. I found it perched on this oak leaf, and it was gone a moment later. Maybe I've found the same wasp before, see this photo - though that one doesn't have that pretty turquoise band. If you know about this wasp, I would appreciate a comment. (San Marcos Pass, 24 January 2019)
It was sunny and warmer today - up to the low-60s even on our shady side of the canyon. I'm having better luck finding insects than mushrooms right now - and it was raining cats and dogs just a week ago!