Parasitic wasp on leafroller larva. This parasitic wasp (Colpoclypeus florus) is attempting to sting a larva of the oblique-banded leafroller moth (Ch

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Parasitic wasp on leafroller larva. This parasitic wasp (Colpoclypeus florus) is attempting to sting a larva of the oblique-banded leafroller moth (Choristoneura rosaceana). This larva feeds on leaves of a number of plants, including some that are commercially significant in agriculture. The wasp's stinger (protruding from its abdomen) injects a toxin that causes the leafroller to spin extra-thick webbing around itself. The female lays her eggs inside the webbed leaf shelter and the wasp larvae feed on the moth larva. Such parasitic wasps are studied for use as a biological pest control.

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Size: 3666px × 2389px
Photo credit: © STEPHEN AUSMUS/US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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