Carrot Wasps
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The Family Gasteruptiidae, also called Carrot Wasps, have a world wide distribution, with most of the five hundred documented species inhabiting tropical areas.
The North American population consists of one genus, Gasteruption, and three species.
The name carrot wasp refers to the fact that adults often nectar on flowers in the carrot family (Apiceae). The widespread nature of wild carrot plants such as parsley and Queen Ann's Lace, means that carrot wasps can be found in most areas of the United States.
Adults fly from late spring through early fall. Females lay eggs in the nests of other solitary bees and wasps, where the larvae develop by consuming both the eggs and food of their hosts.
The wasp is very thin, but can grow to an inch in length. The picture is enlarged by a factor of two or three to highlight its physical features.
© 2011 Patricia A. Michaels.