Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasp

Natural Habitat

Found in forests, fields, and gardens worldwide; frequently enter homes near lights.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on plant nectar; larvae are parasitoids that feed on the internal tissues of moth and butterfly caterpillars.

Behavior Patterns

Nocuturnal and strongly attracted to artificial lights; they use long antennae to search for hosts. Females lay a single egg inside a host caterpillar.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial ecosystem role in controlling caterpillar populations. While they lack a true 'stinger' like a yellowjacket, they can deliver a sharp, minor prick with their ovipositor if handled, though they are not aggressive.

Identified on: 3/19/2026