ExploreInsects

Ophion

Ophion

Ophion is a type of wasp that helps keep gardens healthy by controlling pests. They are slender and can be found buzzing around plants, looking for caterpillars to lay their eggs in.

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Ophion is a medium-sized wasp with a striking yellowish-orange to reddish-brown body. It has a distinctive long, slender, and curved abdomen, large prominent eyes, and very long antennae. Its transparent wings often have an amber tint and a unique vein pattern, making it visually distinct from other wasps.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyIchneumonidaeGenusOphion
Ophion
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
Ophion

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite their buzzing appearance, these wasps are harmless to humans and never sting!

Instead of building nests, baby Ophion grow up inside other insects, like tiny surprise guests!

Ophion wasps are like stealthy night detectives, using huge eyes to hunt in the dark!

Some Ophion wings have a tiny, cool shape that looks like a horse's head!

Special abilities

Ability

Host Hunter

Ophion can detect hidden caterpillars and other insect larvae by scent and vibration, which helps them find perfect spots to lay their eggs.

Ability

Night Vision

Ophion has oversized ocelli (simple eyes) on top of its head that help them see and navigate effectively in very dim light conditions at night.

Ability

Stealthy Egg Layer

Ophion possesses a flexible, needle-like ovipositor that allows them to precisely deposit eggs inside host larvae without detection.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-60 mm
Size
15-30 mm
Lifespan
14-30 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Ophion drink nectar, while their larvae are special carnivores that eat caterpillars!

Age differences: Larvae are parasitoids of other insects, while adults primarily feed on plant nectar and honeydew.

Primary Foods

  • caterpillars
  • beetle larvae
  • nectar
  • honeydew

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Small Cabbage White

Pieris rapae

Their larvae grow inside this common garden pest.

parasitizes

Cabbage Moth

Mamestra brassicae

A key natural enemy for this agricultural insect pest.

eaten by

Little Brown Bat

Myotis lucifugus

These nocturnal hunters can catch Ophion during night flights.

depends on

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

Adults drink nectar from its flowers for energy.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Ophion wasps are friendly and won't hurt you, but it's always good to watch insects from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ophion's wingspan?

30-60 mm

How big is Ophion?

15-30 mm

How long does Ophion live?

14-30 days

What does Ophion eat?

Adult Ophion drink nectar, while their larvae are special carnivores that eat caterpillars!

Where is Ophion usually found?

Gardens

How does Ophion hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Ophion have?

6

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Where to spot

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