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Photo#783784
Can anyone tell me what this might be? (Parasitized Caterpillar) - male - female
Copyright © 2013 Amy Goodman

Can anyone tell me what this might be? (Parasitized Caterpillar) - Male Female
Seminole, Seminole County, Oklahoma, USA
June 7, 2013
Estimating 40 wasps or so in here... any suggestions as to how to keep a few and release the rest? Also, ways to tell male from female? They're already mating in there.... Snag a mating pair? And how to do so? Thanks!

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Can anyone tell me what this might be? Can anyone tell me what this might be? Can anyone tell me what this might be? (Parasitized Caterpillar) - male - female Can anyone tell me what this might be? (Parasitized Caterpillar) Can anyone tell me what this might be? (Parasitized Caterpillar) Can anyone tell me what this might be? (Parasitized Caterpillar)
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Contributed by Amy Goodman on 10 June, 2013 - 11:01am
Last updated 10 June, 2013 - 3:44pm

Comments

Moved
Moved from Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies.
… Bob Carlson, 10 June, 2013 - 2:56pm login or register to post comments

Parasitoid wasps - possibly Microgastrinae…
These wasps sometimes produce large cottony structures like this for their cocoons. Would need a close-up of one of these wasps (a clear dorsal view) to confirm.
… Ross Hill, 10 June, 2013 - 11:14am login or register to post comments

 
Vouchering
If anyone wants the specimens I end up pulling and nest/egg , let me know. I won't have any use for them.
… Amy Goodman, 10 June, 2013 - 11:21am login or register to post comments

 
Right,
I'm just trying to figure the best way to get a close up... how to grab one or two, while releasing the others. It's a very windy day here. I'm fairly confident I can grab a mating pair with some tweezers but how to do so without letting them all out? I'm still mulling it over =)
… Amy Goodman, 10 June, 2013 - 11:18am login or register to post comments

 
Zoom...
If your camera has a zoom feature, you may be able to steady it against the jar to grab a few of the wasps at the same time.
… Ross Hill, 10 June, 2013 - 11:21am login or register to post comments

 
I tried,
but the glass is very wavy allowing no clear photos, unfortunately. I need to find some better jars!
… Amy Goodman, 10 June, 2013 - 11:22am login or register to post comments

 
Option...
You might try fitting a clear plastic bag over the top of the jar, releasing a few wasps into it, and then the images may come out a little better.
… Ross Hill, 10 June, 2013 - 11:27am login or register to post comments

 
Will give it a try!
If it works I'll post pictures later today.
… Amy Goodman, 10 June, 2013 - 11:29am login or register to post comments

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