Orange Caterpillar Parasite vs Carrion Parasitoid Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Orange Caterpillar Parasite Carrion Parasitoid Wasp
Scientific Name Netelia ephippitarsus Alysia manducator
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Braconidae
Size 12-16 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Carrion Feeders
Regions Australia, Southeast Asia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Orange Caterpillar Parasite

A slender, amber-orange ichneumon wasp found across Australasia. It attaches eggs to caterpillars and the larva feeds externally on its host.

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Did You Know?

Female wasps can deliver a mild sting if handled, which is unusual among ichneumon wasps.

Carrion Parasitoid Wasp

A small braconid wasp that parasitizes blowfly larvae in carrion. An important part of the decomposition ecosystem. Females locate buried fly larvae using chemical cues.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect fly larvae buried in carrion from a considerable distance using their sensitive antennae.