Ichnuemon Wasp, (Ephialtes manifestor?) ovipositing into red mason bee cocoon
After filming another Ichneumon wasp, which looks like the same species, using her ovipositor to check out a metal screw! This female got it right, unfortunately for the Red mason bee larva which will act as a host for the wasp larva to consume!
This Ichneumon wasp got it right. Unfortunately for the host Red mason bee larva!
If it is a Ephialtes manifestator, then according to the Natural History Museum, these ichneumonid wasps do parasitise solitary bees and other solitary wasps. You can see a lovely shot of the wasp on a solitary bee nest box here at Grantham Ecology along with other beautiful photos of bees, it’s well worth a visit.
Some species of Ichneumon wasps can be beneficial as a biological control of agricultural pests.
Download NHM Beginner’s guide to identifying ichneumonids
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