# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Gardens

![Ophion](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ophion_sp._lateral_Bytom.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Adrian Tync, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ophion_sp._lateral_Bytom.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hymenoptera
- **Family:** Ichneumonidae
- **Genus:** Ophion

## 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

- **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.
- **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.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## 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

### How to identify Ophion?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## Where to spot

- [LaCosta Wetlands](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lacosta-wetlands) — Florida, US · Park

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Ophion: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ophion)