Remarkable wasp in the water tub
I found this impressive wasp (Hymenoptera) on in the water tub we keep by the summer-dry creek. I believe it's an Ichneumon Wasp in the family Ichneumonidae - superfamily Ichneumonoidea for sure. These are parasitic wasps that lay their eggs on the larvae of other insects, see this photo for an example. That's pretty gruesome, but it's essential to preserving any kind of balance in nature. (San Marcos Pass, 6 August 2021)
Remarkable wasp in the water tub
I found this impressive wasp (Hymenoptera) on in the water tub we keep by the summer-dry creek. I believe it's an Ichneumon Wasp in the family Ichneumonidae - superfamily Ichneumonoidea for sure. These are parasitic wasps that lay their eggs on the larvae of other insects, see this photo for an example. That's pretty gruesome, but it's essential to preserving any kind of balance in nature. (San Marcos Pass, 6 August 2021)