|
Oligosita Photography by Max E. Badgley (1922-2006)
Species of Oligosita wasps adults are typically greenish yellow with transparent wings. One distinguishes between species by measuring certain anatomical features such as the ratio between the antenna pedicel and its funicular segments. The wasp's antennae are used to locate suitable hosts, usually the eggs of leafhoppers, planthoppers, moths, and butterflies. Once a suitable host egg is found, the wasp oviposits its eggs thereon; this is repeated, typically, as many as ten times daily, for 2-5 days, the lifespan of the adult female. The eggs mature into adult wasps in 11-12 days, whereupon the cycle is repeated. Text compiled and edited by J.Cates, curator |
||||
