Ichneumon Wasp (Short-tailed Ichneumonid)
Scientific Name: Ophioninae
Order & Family: Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae
Size: 15 mm to 25 mm (body length)
Natural Habitat
Woodlands, gardens, and meadows; often found near lamps at night
Diet & Feeding
Larvae are internal parasitoids of moth and butterfly caterpillars; adults drink nectar or water.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights. They are widely distributed and undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by naturally controlling moth and beetle populations. Unlike most wasps, they generally do not sting humans unless handled very roughly, and their sting is relatively weak and non-venomous.
Identified on: 4/16/2026