Community identification
Ensign Wasp
Evaniidae family
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera, Evaniidae
- Size
- 3 to 7 mm (0.1 to 0.3 inches)
Natural Habitat
Found globally in urban and suburban areas, particularly near buildings where cockroaches are present.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on nectar and honeydew; larvae are internal parasites of cockroach egg cases (oothecae).
Behavior Patterns
Known for its unique 'flag-like' abdomen that constantly jerks up and down while walking. Females search for cockroach egg cases to lay a single egg inside.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to humans as they act as a natural biological control for cockroach populations; they do not sting or bite humans.