Lissopimpla excelsa

Lissopimpla excelsa

Lissopimpla excelsa is a Hymenoptera of the family of parasitic wasps ( Ichneumonidae ). The species is widespread in Australia and New Zealand.

Description

Lissopimpla excelsa is a medium to large parasitic wasp. Females reach a length of 17 mm, should be added the antennas with 16 mm length and the sheath of the ovipositor with 9 mm length. The length of the front wing is 14 mm. The males remain quite small. While the size is quite variable, different colorations are rare.

The head is reddish brown. Around the point of eyes is a black, slightly sunken ring. The edge of the compound eyes is yellow. The antennae are reddish brown, towards the tip they are sometimes darker. The basal joint is enlarged distally, followed by yet another 62 to 65 members which are towards ever smaller tip. In the male the game between the eyes is black with a yellow triangle.

The first segment of the thorax is reddish brown. In the second segment of the spine by two converging furrows ( Notauli ) is divided. The scutellum is offset by a pit side it has large keels. Notauli and scutellum are shown in yellow. The Mesopleurae possess some characteristic depressions and a centrally extending groove. The third segment is keeled on the back along. Here and on the sides ( Metapleurae ) can also be located a yellow drawing. The propodeum is reddish brown, fluted front, upper side with a shallow survey, which sided with a keel, which terminates in an obtuse or acute elevation. The hips are reddish brown and provided at least on the outer-facing side with points. The legs are also brown, they are the front of the tarsus dark and end in black claws. The femur, the third leg has a lower side groove, which terminates in a tooth. The tibia of the second and especially the third leg are covered with small teeth. The wings are dark brown or black and blue, the outer-facing end is brighter.

The abdomen has four black segments which are laterally white spotted. The following segments are reddish brown again. The ovipositor is dark brown to almost black.

Way of life

The species parasitized the doll or Präpupa various butterflies ( Lepidoptera). The larva of Lissopimpla excelsa develops within the chrysalis, it slips the adult insect.

The males of Lissopimpla excelsa are attracted to orchids of the genus Cryptostylis. Their flower mimics the female insect, the males act as pollinators while attempting copulation.

Dissemination

Lissopimpla excelsa is widely used in Australia and frequently. The species is also found in New Zealand, the Kermadecinseln and in Fiji.