🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Yellow-legged Ophion

Ophion scutellaris

About Yellow-legged Ophion

A large orange-brown ichneumon wasp commonly attracted to light at night. Parasitizes large moth caterpillars. Has a laterally compressed, blade-like abdomen.

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Did You Know?

One of the most commonly reported ichneumon wasps in houses, drawn to lights on summer evenings.

How to Identify Yellow-legged Ophion

Yellow-legged Ophion (Ophion scutellaris) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Ichneumonidae. Adults typically measure 15-20 mm.

Yellow-legged Ophion Habitat

Yellow-legged Ophion is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Yellow-legged Ophion Diet and Feeding

Yellow-legged Ophion is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside or on a host insect, eventually killing it. Parasitoids are important biological control agents in agriculture and natural ecosystems.

Where Is Yellow-legged Ophion Found?

Yellow-legged Ophion can be found in Europe, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Yellow-legged Ophion can be found

Is Yellow-legged Ophion Dangerous?

Yellow-legged Ophion belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Yellow-legged Ophion Role in Nature

Yellow-legged Ophion is an important biological control agent. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop inside host insects, naturally regulating pest populations. This makes it valuable in integrated pest management strategies.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-legged Ophion

What does Yellow-legged Ophion look like?

The Yellow-legged Ophion typically measures 15-20 mm.

Where is Yellow-legged Ophion found?

The Yellow-legged Ophion is found in Europe and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Yellow-legged Ophion eat?

The Yellow-legged Ophion is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside a host, eventually killing it.

Is Yellow-legged Ophion dangerous to humans?

The Yellow-legged Ophion belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Yellow-legged Ophion?

One of the most commonly reported ichneumon wasps in houses, drawn to lights on summer evenings.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Yellow-legged Ophion (Ophion scutellaris). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/yellow-legged-ophion

MLA:
"Yellow-legged Ophion." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/yellow-legged-ophion.