Ichneumon Wasp (Short-tailed Ichneumonid)

Woodlands, gardens, and meadows; often found near lamps at night

Larvae are internal parasitoids of moth and butterfly caterpillars; adults drink nectar or water.

They are nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights. They are widely distributed and undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

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.