Whose eggs??? (1 Viewer)

Pol

Well-known member

• Sep 22, 2007

• #1

I have been watching this Large White caterpillar since it arrived on the soffit (of my bungalow) expecting it to turn into a chrysalis at any moment. Yesterday afternoon I was dismayed to find these eggs had been laid around him. Might they be of a parasitic wasp or something similar?

 

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Wildwood

Well-known member

• Sep 24, 2007

• #2

They may not be eggs but grubs that have 'erupted' or eaten their way out of the caterpillar and pupated. Many species of parasitic wasp (Ichneumons etc) inject their prey with their eggs and this is often the result. The small wasp on top may or may not be related (could even be a hyperparasite - a parasite of parasites!).

 

Pol

Well-known member

• Sep 24, 2007

• #3

Thanks Wildwood - I will keep an eye on them and see what happens !!

 

Wildwood

Well-known member

• Sep 24, 2007

• #4

Try googling for Apanteles glomeratus. An Ichneumon/parasitic wasp.

3mm, parasitises Large white butterfy caterpillars, larva pupate outside of host. Common May - August.

Looks very much like the little chappie in the pic. If not this, something very similar..

 

Pol

Well-known member

• Sep 24, 2007

• #5

Thanks yet again - it looks exactly like Apanteles glomeratus. The caterpillar is still alive but shrinking !!!