Wasp - Pimpla Hypochondriaca
Taken at Leighton Moss on 3rd July 2015 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode
 Fact File
Wasp - Pimpla Hypochondriaca.
Species:
Order:
Family:		 Pimpla hypochondriaca.
Hymenoptera.
Ichneumonidae.
Larval Food:
Length:
Habitat:
Flies/Found:
Feature:
 Butterfly and moth caterpillars.
15 mm.
Hedgerows and well vegetated areas.
Autumn.
The female lays her eggs in moth and butterfly caterpillars injecting the host with a venom that contains an immunosuppressant, preventing the immune system of the host insect from fighting back. The eggs hatch and the larvae then eat the insect alive, from the inside.