SCELIONID WASP
Scelionid
SCELIONID WASP FAMILY (Scelionidae)
These are very small wasps, approximately 1/16 to 1/2 inch in length. The head, thorax and abdomen are black. The wings are clear. The legs are brownish-red. Characteristics of this family are elbowed antennae, flattened, keeled abdomen (with the margins sharp) and wing venation greatly reduced or absent.
The frequency of occurrence is not presently known. The individual pictured here was photographed in early July in Fontenelle Forest.
The wasp in Photo A is guarding stink bug (Pentatomidae) eggs. She probably has parasitized every egg. The mothering wasps often stay with the eggs until the larvae emerge, most likely to keep other parasites away.
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