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Story: Wasps and bees

Caterpillar with wasp larvae (2nd of 4)

Caterpillar with wasp larvae

This pupating green looper caterpillar (Chrysodeixis eriosoma) is bulging with parasitic Copidosoma wasp larvae that hatched from a single egg laid in the egg of the host. By now the larvae have consumed the caterpillar’s internal organs, leaving only the outer skin.

About this item

Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand
Reference: Bc0030smt.tif
Photograph by Peter E. Smith

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How to cite this page:

John Early. 'Wasps and bees', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 20-Oct-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/wasps-and-bees/2/2/2