PARASITIC WASP

The Latin name for this wasp is Apanteles glomeratus.

This is a little black insect, which can be seen in summer among cabbage patches, seeking out caterpillars of the large white butterfly in which it lays its eggs. It can lay up to 150 eggs at a time in the caterpillar; these then hatch into tiny larvae that gradually eat their hosts. Eventually, the larvae emerge and pupate in yellow cocoons around the remains of the caterpillar. These cocoons can be seen in masses on adjacent walls and fences.