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Pupal Stage Of Braconiid Wasp On Southern Pine Sphinx Moth Caterpillar [Lapara coniferarum] |
| This Pine Sphinx Moth caterpillar, hosting the pupa of a braconiid wasp, was found in a roadside swale in far western St. Johns County, Florida on 6/26/2008. The adult female wasps have a long ovipositor which they use to inject their eggs inside a host. The eggs hatch larvae which feed on the caterpillar's innards until they are ready to pupate - in this case on the outside of the host. Baby wasps hatch, fly off, mate, and the females then look for more hosts thus continuing the cycle. |
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![Pupal Stage Of Braconiid Wasp On Southern Pine Sphinx Moth Caterpillar [Lapara coniferarum]](image%20snail19/60504.jpg)
