Some wasps are parasites of caterpillars and other larvae. This tiny Apanteles ruficrus wasp is injecting its eggs from its ovipositor into the body of an armyworm caterpillar – a serious crop pest. Each injection delivers about 30 eggs. The hatched larvae feed on the caterpillar’s body fluids, and force their way out once they are ready to pupate, about 12 days after hatching. This kills the host caterpillar.
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Alexander Turnbull Library, Dominion Post Collection (PAColl-7327)
Reference:
EP-Zoology-Insects, Wasps-01
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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