This is an Ichneumon Wasp cocoon. The species is most likely Charops annulipes. The Black and white striped cocoon was found on a branch of Poverty Weed suspended by a single thread of silk. Reportedly, when the cocoon is held it can be felt vibrating from the motion of the pupa inside.
Observation Details
| County | – | Dallas | |
| City | – | Hutchins | |
| Date | – | Jun 23, 2013 | |
| Time of Day | – | Afternoon | |
| Temperature | – | Hot (greater than 89°F/32°C) | |
| Weather | – | Partly Cloudy | |
| Habitat | – | Recreation-Park | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Reproducing | |
| Gender | – | Mixed | |
| Maturity | – | Pupa | |
| Observer | – | Penny Halstead |
Chris, excellent photos of an ichneuman cocoon. Pretty little thing.
I agree… It looks almost like a jewel or a bead. This picture was provided to me by my good friend Penny Halstead. She works at the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. On occasion she will send me wonderful photographs of of insects or spiders that she finds on the clinic’s grounds. They are always very good, carefully composed shots!