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larose forest photos | all galleries >> INSECTS (INSECTA) (28 Galleries) >> Eggs, Exuviae, Pupal Cases and Other Signs of Insects and Spiders > Possibly an egg case of a parasitic wasp on a tussock moth cocoon.
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12-SEP-2010 Christine Hanrahan

Possibly an egg case of a parasitic wasp on a tussock moth cocoon.

I found several of these egg cases close together. Initially I thought this was an egg case of a Tussock moth (Lymantriidae), because some species in this group will lay their eggs on top of the coccoon and cover them with a white foamy secretion which hardens, as in this photo. However, thanks to PBaser, Bob B. it seems that this mass could instead by the egg case of a parasitic wasp.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
1/60s f/4.5 at 5.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Bob B.31-Mar-2011 20:59
I believe this whitish mass may be the pupae of parasitic wasps, likely Braconidae, that emerged from the pupal case (brown) and pupated outside of it. Small adult wasps emerge from the mass.
Carol Rollins31-Dec-2010 05:15
Excellent find and shot, Christine. ~
Stephanie13-Dec-2010 14:16
Fascinating! V
Julie Tremblay13-Dec-2010 10:53
Thank you for sharing. Very interesting information.
slhoornstra13-Dec-2010 09:53
A fantastic macro. These egg cases must be tiny!! V
Carl Carbone13-Dec-2010 04:25
Very interesting! I've never seen one before. Nice find.
Hank Vander Velde13-Dec-2010 03:18
Nice find and image Christine.
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