Madison Co., NC
9 Apr 2012
These impressive wasps seek out rotting logs where horntail wasp larvae are feeding. Using their antennae they sense the presence of the larvae deep in the log.
Madison Co., NC
9 Apr 2012
They then prepare their 3-parted ovipositor to penetrate the log using chemicals which break down the wood, up to 5 inches!
Madison Co., NC
9 Apr 2012
During this process, the abdominal membrane is exposed and aids the process.
Madison Co., NC
9 Apr 2012
An egg will be passed through the thin ovipositor and onto a horntail larvae. The egg will hatch and the larval Giant Ichneumon will eat the larval horntail.
