Parasitoid Wasp and Caterpillar

Wasps and bees, along with ants belong to the same insect group (Order Hymenoptera). Except for flightless wasp, many species have two pairs of wings; they also have biting mouthparts, and a tongue to lap nectar. Although many wasps live in colonies, a large number of species leads a solitary life. 

wasp and caterpillar, parasitoid wasp, hymenoptera
A wasp subduing a caterpillar.

One type of wasp is the parasitoid wasp, which may also be a provisioning predator. This wasp detects and then injects venom into a host like caterpillar, immobilizing or even killing them. It then carries the host back to its burrow, where it will lays eggs on or inside the unfortunate caterpillar before sealing the entrance. The wasp eggs hatch and the larva will feed within the caterpillar. The caterpillar will eventually die. Some species of wasp will return to the nest and replenish its hungry larva with additional prey.

wasp, hymenoptera
A wasp collecting nest materials.

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