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Orange Caterpillar Parasite Wasp
3rd PlaceOrange Caterpillar Parasite Wasp
roz


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Extended Free Study 2026-03 (Extended Editing)
Collection: 2026 CHALLENGES ETC
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Lens: OM System 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO M.Zuiko Digital ED
Date: Mar 21, 2026
Aperture: 4.0
ISO: 250
Shutter: 1/100
Galleries: Macro, Insects, etc
Date Uploaded: Apr 12, 2026

 AFTER VOTING .
thanks heaps for all the wonderful comments .. they mean a lot .. :)

Orange caterpillar parasite - a common Australian parasitic ...

The Orange Caterpillar Parasite Wasp (often Netelia producta or similar Ophioninae species) is a beneficial, solitary Australian wasp, roughly 2cm long, (0.787402 inches) that acts as a natural pest controller.

Females lay eggs on caterpillars, which then feed on the host, acting as a natural control agent in gardens. They are generally harmless to humans.
Key Characteristics and Lifecycle:

Appearance: Bright orange to light brown bodies, long antennae, and often large simple eyes (ocelli).

Parasitic Method: The female stings and temporarily paralyzes a caterpillar, then lays a black egg directly onto its skin near the head.

Larva Development: The hatched larva hangs onto the caterpillar, feeding on it externally as the caterpillar moves to the soil to pupate.

Pupation: The wasp larva eventually kills the caterpillar in the soil and forms a black, furry cocoon.

Habits: Adults are solitary, often active at night, and feed on nectar.

Gardening Impact:
They are highly beneficial for controlling pest caterpillars in vegetable gardens and crops. They are considered a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

Statistics
Place: 3 out of 29
Avg (all users): 7.0385
Avg (participants): 6.8889
Avg (non-participants): 7.3750
Views since voting: 58
Views during voting: 57
Votes: 26
Comments: 8
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 04/23/2026 03:31:46 PM
Another amazing shot, a huge CONGRATULATIONS!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/22/2026 08:12:37 PM
Originally posted by kanaj:
Color alchemy so sublime it almost makes you forget how creepy the natural habit of the subject is. :-P

Seriously, how can I sign up for a live edit session with you sometime? I'm dying to see how you achieve these pristine color grades.


thanks so much Jonathan .. if you were serious i would gladly share my original photos and workflow with you ..
its in giving we receive .. so you would be doing me a favour to accept .. !! .. :)
 04/22/2026 02:09:13 PM
And... ANOTHER fabulous image from Roz, The Great!

Wow!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/22/2026 09:24:09 AM
Your images are so remarkable, they deserve to be in science books. Congratulations, Roz!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/22/2026 03:34:00 AM
Color alchemy so sublime it almost makes you forget how creepy the natural habit of the subject is. :-P

Seriously, how can I sign up for a live edit session with you sometime? I'm dying to see how you achieve these pristine color grades.

Message edited by author 2026-04-22 03:34:19.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
04/21/2026 09:00:29 PM
Marvelous photo. The orange against the green is outstanding.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/21/2026 08:45:34 PM
My favorite in this challenge.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/17/2026 10:27:41 AM
a stunning climber, stunning photography.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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