I found this wasp in my garden this morning and was surprised to see it sucking nectar with the skippers. I researched and found out it is an Ammophila thread-waisted wasp. Carries away hairless caterpillars to lay an egg in. Wish I had more of these wasps in my garden; could use the help. Ammophila thread-waisted wasp ( photo / image / picture from Freckles's Garden )
Is it fascinating to be able to identify interesting insects but more so to understand what the insect is doing. Gardening has so many side aspects to keep us occupied during the non-growing season, boredom is never a problem. Now I know about Ammophila thread-waisted wasps....cool. Jerry
We have a similar wasp here in the UK (maybe even the same species). I must do some research and find out if we do share this wasp. I do like 'friendly' insects visiting the garden. :-D
I believe that I have seen this sort of wasp in my garden as well. Perhaps I can get a foto next season. I do not think that this sort of wasp attacks humans, Eileen.
So, is that what put these eggs on this guy? I have saved him on a jar to see what happens. He is shriveled up to about nothing about now.
Waretrap: I don't know about those eggs, research showed wasp laid an egg in caterpillar than buried in the sand. But I would like to know about your pic, I've seen that before.
You mean my actual picture or one like it. Who would want to use this pic. It's not even in focus.....
Barb, The thread waisted wasp is not what lays its eggs on the hornworm. Your picture is of a hornworm that has braconid wasp egg cases on it. They are very tiny and you would most likely never notice them.
As far as I can tell your wasp is also seen here in the UK. Sjeord it obviously lives in Holland too which is a good thing. Isn't it great to know that there are some wasps that benefit us gardeners and don't sting us?
Barb, I've seen a caterpiller in my garden like your picture, and I never new what laid the eggs on it. MEALS ON WHEELS for the Braconid Wasp; good for the garden. I read where these wasps are less than 1/8" long. No wonder we don't see them. Thanks Carolyn for the info. :-D
