Ichneumonidae
Pronunciation: [Ich·neu·MON·i·dae]
Common Name: Ichneumon Wasps
Description: One of the most abundant families in the order Hymenoptera, these wasps possesses many unique characteristics that allow them to stand out. Each forewing lacks a costal cell, but has a horsehead cell towards the middle of the wing. The antenna is unusually long with 16 or more segments. Commonly recognized as slender wasps, the females have a long ovipositor that is often longer than the body. In addition to these traits, the ichneumon wasps also have two-segmented trochanters that allow for an easy identification. Many species of this family are internal parasitoids of the immature stages of the host, where they may complete their development.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Two-segmented trochanters
- Horsehead cell visible in front wing (i,e, forewings lack a costal cell)
- Females with a long, slender ovipositor
- 16 or more segments in the antennae
Return To:
Order: Hymenoptera
Picture Gallery:
