Emerald Cockroach Wasp

[Peter Clausen]

Maybe this has been discussed on the forum previously, but I've just come across this information on wikipedia, which says:

"The emerald cockroach wasp or jewel wasp (Ampulex compressa) is a solitary wasp of the family Ampulicidae. It is known for its unusual reproductive behavior, which involves stinging a cockroach and using it as a host for its larvae. It thus belongs to the entomophagous parasites. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_cockroach_wasp

 

[Ozymandias]

i've heard of them doing it to ant before not cockroaches

 

[brancsikia]

They are great and they love Periplaneta americana

 

[Zephyr]

That is a brilliant series of photos! Did you take those yourself?

 

[brancsikia]

That is a brilliant series of photos! Did you take those yourself?

Thanks! Yes, I took the photos from my stock.

 

[Zephyr]

Thanks! Yes, I took the photos from my stock.

Amazing! They're very beautiful and wonderfully illustrate the unique life history of the species.

 

[Peter Clausen]

Wow, fantastic shots! Did you observe the wasp nibbling the antennae of the cockroach?

 

[brancsikia]

Wow, fantastic shots! Did you observe the wasp nibbling the antennae of the cockroach?

Thanks! Yes, they are always cutting the antennae and feeding on the bit of haemolyphe that comes out.

 

[Wolverine]

Great post. Hymenoptera rock! Awesome photos.

 

[Alfacuria]

ah ive seen these they are like the brain surgeons of the insect family

 

[Shipi]

Here at Budapest in the Zoo, they have much Jewel wasps. Very interesting creatures.

 

[pierre72]

Isn't the wasp attacking the roach? What's so cool about it?