GNAMPTOPELTA OBSIDIANATOR

GNAMPTOPELTA OBSIDIANATOR

Gnamptopelta obsidianator
ICHNEUMONID WASP FAMILY (Ichneumonidae)

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This parasitic wasp is 1 to 1 3/8 inches in length. It is entirely black except for the antennae which are yellow-orange with dark gray to black tips. The head is small with bulging brown eyes. This species is identified by the shape of the head and the crescent-shaped downward curved abdomen.

The frequency of occurrence is not known as it has only been sighted once (6/26/09) on Marsh Trail in Fontnelle Forest. They probably fly from summer into fall.

This ichneumon may be a spider wasp mimic as it resembles some species of spider wasps. Nothing is known of the nesting habits or prey of this species.

The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.