
Braconid Wasp Cocoons on a Banded Tussock Moth Larva
I found this moth larva on the wheel well of one of our tires on the motorhome. It was still alive but had been parasitized by Braconid wasps (as evidenced by the attached cocoons). This larva lived for at least another 2 weeks as I saw it move to different locations.
A really cool article about the different types of Braconids on caterpillars:
https://butterfly-fun-facts.com/braconid-wasps-are-parasitoids-of-butterfly-and-moth-caterpillars/

"Halysidota tessellaris", also called the banded tussock moth, is in Erebidae. Like many related species, it has chemical defenses it acquires from its host plants, in this case, alkaloids, at least in adults. Larval brazen behaviours suggest that they are chemically protected; they have not been analyzed for alkaloid content.

comments (8)
I had considered putting the caterpillar out of its misery early on, but then I would have to feel guilty about the Braconid wasps. I really don't want to upset any balance in nature! Posted 3 months ago