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| Aphidius Ervi | Berlge | 12 Sep 2026 | |
| Aphidiinae (subfamily) | WendyEM | 7 Sep 2026 | |
| Aphididae (family) | WendyEM | 7 Sep 2026 | |
| Amata nigriceps | CarbonAI | 7 Sep 2026 | |
| Unverified | Berlge | 7 Sep 2026 |
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User's notes
Aphid mummies, live aphid and small wasp can be seen on the same leaf. The plant was previously infested with aphid.
Suggest- Aphidius Ervi
9 comments
7 Sep 2026
I have not been able to find a source showing the sggs of this species online. Does NaturMapr have such a record? If so I cannot see it in the sightings formthe species now.
This reference says A. nigriceps has small white eggs.
https://prpw.com.au/project/white-antennae-wasp-moth/
Although the Australian National insect Collection has recorded this speces as adult moths at the former Black Mountain light trap, there is ongoing uncertainty about idenfifying mainy Amata (genus) moths to the species level.
This reference says A. nigriceps has small white eggs.
https://prpw.com.au/project/white-antennae-wasp-moth/
Although the Australian National insect Collection has recorded this speces as adult moths at the former Black Mountain light trap, there is ongoing uncertainty about idenfifying mainy Amata (genus) moths to the species level.
7 Sep 2026
Perhaps there are eggs in this photo:-
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/318116621
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/318116621
7 Sep 2026
On Radio National Health Report they have a W.T.F. segment at times. I suggest instigating a NM AI W.T.F. page!!!!!
My understanding is these are 'mummified' aphids that have been parisitized by wasps. see
https://cesaraustralia.com/pestnotes/wasps-ants-bees/aphid-parasitoids/
My understanding is these are 'mummified' aphids that have been parisitized by wasps. see
https://cesaraustralia.com/pestnotes/wasps-ants-bees/aphid-parasitoids/
7 Sep 2026
see https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations?taxon_id=354557
especially e.g. https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/387162085
I used to see aphids on roses lifting their bums and exuding stuff and waving about as these little wasps approached. Not happy aphids.
especially e.g. https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/387162085
I used to see aphids on roses lifting their bums and exuding stuff and waving about as these little wasps approached. Not happy aphids.
8 Sep 2026
I note iNaturalist now gives the common name 'White Antennae Wasp Moth' to Amata nigriceps.
8 Sep 2026
Wasp (imitating) moth is far less offensive than 'Handmaiden moth' that appears on certain moths that all the local (Aust.) books had always called far less offensive names. What does that name mean anyway, in relation to the moth? Tiger Moth (although some are more leopards) makes more sense for an orange and black striped moth. I violently object 'Handmaiden' as a name for them.
Lots of things with bight stripes like wasps are imitating bities/stingies hoping to avoid being eaten. Like all the other things (Oecophorids, spiders) that pretend to be bird droppings for the same reason.
Lots of things with bight stripes like wasps are imitating bities/stingies hoping to avoid being eaten. Like all the other things (Oecophorids, spiders) that pretend to be bird droppings for the same reason.
10 Sep 2026
Possibly, but I am not sure how many wasps there are in Aus that do this. Hopefully a wasp person can have a look. My area is moths.
Sighting information
- 16 - 100 Abundance
- Berlge Recorded by
- Found around capsicum bushes infested with aphid. Associated plant
- Aphid Aphid mummies Associated animal
- Less than 5mm Animal size
Collections
- Berlge NatureMapr Canberra & Southern Tablelands Latest Parasitic wasps (numerous families) Wasps (Hymenoptera, Apocrita) Insects
Record quality
Quality score
5 / 7
- Images or audio
- More than one media file
- GPS evidence of location
- Description
- Additional attributes
- Verified by an expert moderator
- Nearby sighting(s) of same species