YELLOW OPHION

The Latin name for this wasp is Ophion luteus.

This is a large parasitic wasp with a body length of 1.5 to 2cm and a wingspan of 3cm. The body is yellowish-brown, with the characteristic waisted shape of the wasp relatives.

The adults appear in late summer, lasting through the autumn. They fly during the night, often flying into houses as they are attracted to the light.

The female lays her eggs in the caterpillars of various moths, for example, Sycamore moth and Puss moth. The larva then eats the caterpillar.