Braconid-producing Rearing Experiment
Photos taken on August 4, 6, and 12 are a sequence of a rearing experiment. The painted lady caterpillar was taken for rearing. It had been feeding on Canada thistle. Observations of silky stands and frass led to its being observed. On August 6, 2019 what cocoon-like masses were found in the container and the caterpillar was dead. On August 12, 2019 about 25 braconid wasps eclosed from pupas in the cocoon-like structure. Wasps were about 3 mm in length.
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)Observer
gwmccormickDescription
Caterpillar of painted lady infected with parasitoids. See also observation 31148888.
Photos / Sounds
What
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)Observer
gwmccormickDescription
A white "cocoon" created by a painted lady caterpillar that houses pupas of a parasitoid, believed to be a braconid.
Photos / Sounds
Observer
gwmccormickDescription
Parasitoid wasp of a caterpillar of a painted lady. The caterpillar had been "influenced" to produce a white silky cocoon, from which about 25 wasps eclosed. See also observation 31148888.
Specimens can be provided to anyone who wishes to attempt complete ID.
Comments
very interesting!
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