Cecropia parasites - BugGuide.Net

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Copyright © 2007 Gord Harrison

Cecropia parasites

Minden, Haliburton, Ontario, Canada
August 9, 2007
Size: i mm

I believe these are parasites or parasitoids on the back of a cecropia caterpillar near its last instar. If so, can I remove them, or is that futile? I would appreciate any help.

Contributed by Gord Harrison on 9 August, 2007 - 1:19pm
Last updated 14 April, 2009 - 4:31pm

Moved

Moved from Tachinidae.

… v belov, 14 April, 2009 - 4:31pm

These are indeed

parasitoids, eggs of a tachind fly. If allowed to hatch they will kill the caterpillar. They can't be removed without damaging the cat, but the good news is that they can be destroyed. Simply prick them with a fine needle, insect pin, or watchmakers forceps. Work sideways so as not to pierce the cat skin. Take out as much of the egg contents as possible.

… A.W. Thomas, 9 August, 2007 - 3:15pm

I luckily came across this at

I luckily came across this at a decent time; I'm having techinid problems of my own. I have a C. regalis with some aggs and tried the needle thing. How do you know whether it worked?

… Alec vasha, 15 September, 2013 - 12:38am

Cecropia parasites

Thanks, Tony. I have some small diabetic needles that should be perfect for this job.

… Gord Harrison, 9 August, 2007 - 3:57pm

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