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Orchid dupe wasp

Orchid dupe wasp

Lissopimpla excelsa

A species of Lissopimpla

The female orchid dupe wasp lays her eggs in a host insect where the larvae are parasitic. It is a medium-sized wasp, and its common name, ‘Orchid dupe wasp,’ refers to specific orchid flowers that mimic the orangish coloration of the females. Males mistakenly believe the flowers are females and pollinate the orchid.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
General Info About Orchid dupe wasp
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Attributes of Orchid dupe wasp
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
grassy area; suburban lawn
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, fruit juices, and other sugary substances
Larva Food Source
Moth larvae, particularly those of the clothes moth
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Orchid dupe wasp can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Orchid dupe wasp feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Orchid dupe wasp typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Orchid dupe wasp
It is native to Australia. Although also found in New Zealand it has probably been introduced there.
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Distribution Area of Orchid dupe wasp
Australia, New Zealand
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Life Cycle of Orchid dupe wasp
Egg The first stage begins with the egg, a tiny, typically oval-shaped object. It represents the initial, dormant phase where orchid dupe wasp is immobile, developing internally.
Larva The larvae of orchid dupe wasp emerge as legless, worm-like creatures. Their primary function is to consume food voraciously to fuel rapid growth, marked by several molts.
Pupal In this transformative phase, orchid dupe wasp is encased in a pupal shell. There's a reorganization of tissues and organs, with no feeding as shape and color alter dramatically.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult orchid dupe wasp’s development is marked by wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed, focusing on reproduction and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Orchid dupe wasp
2.5 cm
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Predators of Orchid dupe wasp Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, monkeys, spiders, mantises, geckos, hoverflies, dragonflies
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Predators of Adult Orchid dupe wasp
Birds, spiders, mantises, geckos, dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Orchid dupe wasp
The orchid dupe wasp has a unique reproductive strategy; the female can manipulate the sex of her offspring by deciding whether to fertilize the eggs as she lays them.
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Scientific Classification of Orchid dupe wasp
Tips for Finding Orchid dupe wasp
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Youth Habitat of Orchid dupe wasp
On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Orchid dupe wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Orchid dupe wasp
To attract orchid dupe wasp, one might use a trap with pheromones or a host-specific bait depending on the target host insects that orchid dupe wasp parasitizes since orchid dupe wasp is drawn to areas where its host insects can be found.
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Habitat Preferences of Orchid dupe wasp Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of orchid dupe wasp are typically laid within the host larvae, often those of moths or butterflies, which can be found in a variety of habitats such as wooded areas or gardens. After hatching, the larvae remain inside the host, making their exact location dependent on the host's whereabouts. As for searching for pupae, one should investigate the cocoon or remains of the host species, as orchid dupe wasp pupate within or close to the deceased host. Adult orchid dupe wasp, on the other hand, are frequently spotted in areas with abundant flowering plants, as they feed on nectar and can be found in similar environments where their hosts thrive, including meadows, fields, or even backyard gardens during their mating flights.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Orchid dupe wasp
The best time to find adult orchid dupe wasp is typically during the daytime when temperatures are warmer, which stimulates their activity. For larvae, timing may depend on the lifecycle of their host species.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Orchid dupe wasp
Warm, sunny, and mildly windy conditions are generally best for finding adult orchid dupe wasp. Wet or overly windy weather can reduce their activity levels.
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How and Where Can You Find Orchid dupe wasp at Different Life Stages
Egg Finding eggs of orchid dupe wasp is extremely challenging, as they are laid inside the host insect. Identification of their host species and seeking out those insects may lead to indirect discovery of orchid dupe wasp eggs.
Larva Orchid dupe wasp larvae will be within the host insect. Finding infested hosts, particularly those showing signs of parasitism like sluggish movement or changes in behavior, can lead to the discovery of orchid dupe wasp larvae.
Pupal Pupae of orchid dupe wasp may be located on or near the remains of the host insect. Searching decaying wood, leaf litter, or soil where the host insects are found could lead to orchid dupe wasp pupae.
Adult Adult orchid dupe wasp can be found near the habitat of their hosts. Flowering plants, where adults feed on nectar, can also be an excellent place to look for them. Observing these areas and using sweep nets or visual surveys during appropriate weather conditions is a feasible way to locate adult orchid dupe wasp.
Are Orchid dupe wasp harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Orchid dupe wasp
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Toxic to Animals
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Toxic to Animals

Orchid dupe wasp utilizes its venom as a means to subdue prey for its offspring. Using its ovipositor, the toxin is injected directly into other insects, such as caterpillars and spiders, which may experience paralysis or death. The toxicity levels can range from mild to severe, resulting in varying degrees of incapacitation. During the adult stage, this method of envenomation ensures their larvae have a secure and immobile food source, leading to an increased survival rate for the next generation.

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Beneficial Effects of Orchid dupe wasp
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Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitic Position Type
Endoparasitism
Parasitic Special Type
Specific Parasitism
Host Type
Moths
Host Stage
Pupae
Orchid dupe wasp is an elegant huntress who secretly lays her eggs within the bodies of unsuspecting caterpillar pupae. As the larvae of orchid dupe wasp grow and develop, they consume their host from the inside, a covert operation revealing the intricate interplay of nature's checks and balances. Little-known fact: the adult orchid dupe wasp may charm male moths with pheromones, manipulating them to help disperse her eggs.
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