Blue-eyed Ensign Wasp (Evania appendigaster) (Linnaeus, 1758)

 

Synonyms:Evania affinis, E. cubae, E. desjardinsi, E. laevigata, E. peringueyi, E. unicolor

 

Evania appendigaster is a nearly cosmopolitan species. It likely originated in South Asia, but has been introduced around the world, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. This is one of the larger ensign wasps. Head, thorax, abdomen and the antennae are dark grey to black; contrasting blue eyes; forewings up to 7 mm in length. E. appendigaster is a solitary species parasitizing on eggs (or oothecae) of cockroaches, including the "American" Cockroach (Periplaneta americana). The wasp lays eggs into oothecae, and the larva consumes the cockroach eggs, and, upon maturity, cuts a hole in the egg capsule and leaves. Adults visit flowers, e.g., of the Apiaceae family.

 

		D25830 Blue-eyed Ensign Wasp (Evania appendigaster) Galveston, Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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