Family: Ichneumonidae, Ichneumon Wasps view all from this family

Description 3/8-3/4" (10-19 mm). Abdomen long, compressed on sides. Body pale yellow to reddish brown. Antennae and legs long, pale. Ovipositor of female barely visible at tip of abdomen. Wings clear.

Food Adult drinks nectar. Larva eats internal tissues of caterpillars of tiger moths, noctuids, giant silkworm moths, and satyrids.

Life Cycle Female hunts for active caterpillar of appropriate species and lays 1 egg on its body, often high on the thorax where the caterpillar cannot reach. Ichneumon larva burrows into host, eventually killing it but usually after caterpillar spins its cocoon. Ichneumon larva then pupates inside host's remains. Adults are active May-August. 1 generation a year.

Habitat Forest canopies and shrubby fields.

Range Worldwide.

Discussion Ichneumons fly to artificial lights at night. They are often seen emerging from hosts' cocoons. This genus contains some of the most common large North American ichneumons, but only a specialist can identify the different species.