Enicospilus purgatus
(Say, 1835)
Ophionine ichneumon wasp
Enicospilus purgatus is a of ichneumon in the Ophioninae. It is a large, gangly wasp typically orange in coloration with long and large ocelli arranged in a triangle on the . Unlike the related Netelia, E. purgatus has a very short ovipositor that is often not readily visible. The species is and frequently attracted to artificial lights. It is a solitary wasp with females capable of stinging when handled.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Enicospilus purgatus: /ˌɛnɪˈkoʊspɪləs pərˈɡeɪtəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar orange ichneumon wasps by its very short, often inconspicuous ovipositor. Netelia , which share similar orange coloration and light-seeking , possess a noticeably longer ovipositor. The large ocelli arranged in a triangle between the and uniformly orange body coloration are characteristic of the Ophioninae .
Images
Distribution
North America: Canada (Alberta, Manitoba), United States (Vermont). South America: Brazil (Amazonas, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Santa Catarina, São Paulo).
Behavior
; strongly attracted to artificial lights at night. Females can sting when handled carelessly.
Ecological Role
; agent of caterpillars.
Human Relevance
Occasionally enters human dwellings when attracted to lights. Females can deliver painful stings if handled. Multiple anecdotal reports document unprovoked stinging incidents, though these require verification of specimen identity.
Similar Taxa
- NeteliaSimilar orange coloration, , and attraction to lights; distinguished by longer, more prominent ovipositor
- Other OphioninaeShare large ocelli in triangular arrangement and generally orange coloration; -level identification requires detailed examination