Back to gallery

Parasitoid wasp (Braconidae)

These small wasps are ovipositing in its host, e.g. a caterpillar (ovipositor is clearly seen in this picture). The wasp larvae develop inside the living (and still growing) caterpillar. Typically, in the last larva stadium, it hatches from the host and continues feeding from the outside...

They play an important role in the ecological balance.

 

 

Mitutoyo 5x NA 0.14, tube lense: 125mm (Raynox)

Illumination: Dark field and oblique

857 views
63 faves
12 comments
Uploaded on July 19, 2024
Taken on July 10, 2024