Eulophid Wasp Lepidoptera Parasitoid
Visit -- www.Butterfliesetc.com-- for Your Living Butterfly Needs
Lifecycles
Lifecycle Facts
Raising Butterflies
Free Downloads
Butterfly Identification
Butterfly Parasitoids
Butterfly Enemies
Butterfly Disease
Butterfly Plants
Plant Pests
Butterfly Gardening
FAQ
Odds and Ends
Ask Edith
Butterfly Plant Recipes
|
Eulophid Wasp - Lepidoptera Parasitoid |
|
Eulophid wasps parasitize moth and butterfly caterpillars. These wasps lay eggs and the resulting larvae eat the guts of a caterpillar. Emerging from the caterpillar, they pupate within about three days. The larvae pupate next to the caterpillar on a leaf. Tiny small black spots are pupae of these parasitoids. Days later the adult wasps emerge. |
Eulophid wasp larvae
Eulophid wasp larvae
The next day
Eulophid wasp pupae
Normal pupae arrangement
Close view of pupa
Eulophid wasp adults
Eulophid wasp adults
|
Caterpillars can be protected by raising them inside a secure container. The mesh should be extremely tight for eulophid wasp prevention. Sheer curtain material can be purchased from a fabric store and used to provide airflow without providing enough room for parasitoids to enter. If a caterpillar is brought in from the wild, it may already be parasitized. Secure conatiners can be made with shoe boxes or other box or container. Make sure you provide some airflow! If you do not wish to make a rearing container, they can be purchased from Shady Oak Butterfly Farm from this webpage. |