Enicospilus “americanus” species complex, Ichneumonidae
Clinton, MT
July 25, 2015
Robert Niese
This elegant wasp is a parasitoid of Saturnid and Sphingid moth caterpillars. Females lay their eggs on the bodies of caterpillars and the larvae then grow inside the caterpillar, consuming it and taking its place inside its cocoon. Adults visit flowers at night and are commonly seen at lights. We spotted this individual at our mothlighting event for National Moth Week!
Northwest Naturalist 