Enicospilus purgatus

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.

Images

Summary

Enicospilus purgatus is a nocturnal parasitoid wasp belonging to the Ichneumonidae family, recognized for its unique sclerite pattern in the forewing and for controlling caterpillar populations as it targets various moth species in its lifecycle.

Physical Characteristics

Enicospilus purgatus is characterized by a prominent pattern of sclerites in the discosubmarginal cell of the forewing, with the proximal and central sclerites being prominent while the distal sclerite is reduced to a thin crescent.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive pattern of sclerites in the forewing and note the wasp's long legs and thin body, which may resemble crane flies but can be distinguished by their two sets of wings.

Habitat

Primarily found in various habitats from Canada to Argentina, typically observed outdoors, often attracted to porch lights at night.

Distribution

Widespread from Canada to Argentina, less common in the Rocky Mountain states.

Diet

As a larval parasitoid, Enicospilus purgatus primarily targets caterpillar hosts from species such as Drepana bilineata, Agrotis subterranea, and Spodoptera spp.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes stages as a larval parasitoid, where the female lays eggs on or in host caterpillars, ultimately leading to the death of the host.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves female wasps laying eggs in or on host caterpillars.

Predators

No specific predators mentioned; however, as an adult wasp, they may be preyed upon by birds and other insectivorous animals.

Ecosystem Role

As a parasitoid, it plays a crucial role in controlling moth populations, thus contributing to the ecological balance.

Collecting Methods

• Light trapping at night
• Net capture during flight

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinning specimens

Similar Taxa

• Enicospilus flaviceps
• Enicospilus volubilis
• Enicospilus merdarius

Misconceptions

Often misidentified as crane flies due to their long legs and body shape; they are not true flies as they have two pairs of wings.

Tags

• Hymenoptera
• Parasitoid
• Nocturnal
• Wasp
• Enicospilus