Netelia

Gray, 1860

Orange Ichneumon Wasp, Netelia Wasp

Species Guides

Netelia is a large of ichneumonid wasps in the Tryphoninae, comprising over 330 described grouped into 12 subgenera. These medium to large are typically orange to brownish-yellow in coloration with conspicuously long and legs. Females possess a prominent ovipositor used to parasitize caterpillar . Unlike many ichneumonids, Netelia females can deliver a painful sting when handled carelessly, using it to temporarily paralyze hosts before deposition. The genus is in distribution and frequently attracted to artificial lights at night.

Netelia by (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Netelia macer by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Netelia: /nɛˈtɛliə/

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Images

Appearance

Medium to large ichneumonid wasps, entirely orange to brownish-yellow in coloration. Fore wing length ranges from 6–20 mm. and legs are conspicuously long relative to body size. Large ocelli often touch the . twisted 90°. Prominent ovipositor present in females, ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 times the length of the hind tibia. Forewing with 2r-m and 3r-m present; 3r-m forms a small triangular areolet; Rs vein strongly bent as it approaches 3r-m.

Host Associations

Xanthorhoe fluctuata (Garden Carpet) - Specific for N. inedita
Lithostege griseata (Grey Carpet) - Specific for N. inedita
Geometridae (Larentiinae) - Larval for N. inedita
Helicoverpa spp. - for N. producta in Australia

Similar Taxa

OphioninaeSuperficially similar orange ichneumonids with long and large ocelli, but distinguished by forewing venation: Ophioninae lack the small triangular areolet formed by 3r-m and have different Rs structure; also possess very short or absent ovipositor versus prominent ovipositor in Netelia
EnicospilusSimilar orange ichneumonids attracted to lights; distinguished by wing venation details and genitalia structure
Crane flies (Tipulidae)Mistaken identity due to long legs and erratic ; crane flies lack stinger/ovipositor, have different wing structure, and cannot sting