Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasp
Scientific Name: Ophion sp.
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Ichneumonidae
Size: 15 mm to 25 mm in body length
Natural Habitat
Woodlands, gardens, and fields often near light sources or urban areas
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on plant nectar and honeydew; larvae are internal parasitoids of caterpillars
Behavior Patterns
Primarily nocturnal and strongly attracted to artificial lights; they are solitary insects and do not form colonies
Risks & Benefits
Generally beneficial as they control pest caterpillar populations; they are not aggressive but can deliver a mild sting if handled roughly
Identified on: 12/27/2025