Echthromorpha intricatoria

Echthromorpha intricatoria, also known as the cream-spotted ichneumon, is a common wasp found in Australia[1] and New Zealand. It cannot sting and does not build nests, and is harmless to humans.[2] The female injects eggs into pupae of moths and butterflies with the ovipositor, particularly favouring the Nymphalidae (admiral family). Metacrias huttoni has been shown to be a host species for E. intricatoria.[3]

Echthromorpha intricatoria
Scientific classification
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E. intricatoria
Binomial name
Echthromorpha intricatoria
(Fabricius, 1804)

The body is mostly black with creamy plates on the sides of the abdomen. The clear wings have a span of around 3 centimetres (1.2 in). Antennae and legs are orange.

References

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  1. ^ Australian Insects - John Child, page 74. Library of Congress Catalog Card 6822996
  2. ^ "A question about Echthromorpha intricatoria (Ichneumon wasp) behaviour". Monarch Trust NZ Forum. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
  3. ^ Ward, D. F.; Schnitzler, F. R. (2013). "ICHNEUMONIDAE: Pimplinae: Echthromorpha Holmgren, 1868". landcareresearch.co.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand. Retrieved 18 January 2017.