Echthromorpha intricatoria | |
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Genus: | Echthromorpha
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Species: | E. intricatoria
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Echthromorpha intricatoria (Fabricius, 1804)
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Echthromorpha intricatoria, also known as the cream-spotted ichneumon, is a common wasp found in Australia[1] and New Zealand. It cannot sting and does not build nests, and is harmless to humans.[2] The female injects eggs into pupae of moths and butterflies with the ovipositor, particularly favouring the Nymphalidae (admiral family). Metacrias huttoni has been shown to be a host species for E. intricatoria.[3]
The body is mostly black with creamy plates on the sides of the abdomen. The clear wings have a span of around 3 centimetres (1.2 in). Antennae and legs are orange.