Un-identified - Moth Caterpillar and associated ichneumon wasp

[ChasMacey]

Hi,

Back in Jnauary (26th) I found a Caterpillar in my garden soil,



That I though I would see if I could breed out in order to identify it, it duely turned into a pupa



But yesterday an ichneumon wasp hatched out instead, Can anyone identify the caterpillar for me, and is there any chance of getting any further with an Id for the wasp (I think I know the answer but will ask anyway )






Regards Chas

[Dogghound]

The Caterpillar is a large yellow underwing Noctua pronuba

The ichneumon is Amblyteles armatorius

[ChasMacey]

Wow thanks Dogghound

Very quick and a result for both , really is my lucky day

Is the wasp Id based on the pictures, the host or a bit of both ?


Cheers Chas

[Dogghound]

The picture, ichneumons like Amblyteles sp Diphyus sp etc are not often to specific on their host, although their hosts are always caterpillars of some description and they prefer the larvae of noctuid's. Some other species prefer moths from other familys and indeed other insects such as beetle larvae, its not common for these ichneumons to go for non targets. In your case its gone for a noctuid which is its prefered host. Bet you got abit of a shock when it emerged

[ChasMacey]

I certainly did, I was not expecting anything other than a moth especially as I had originally had two caterpillars but trhe other one was smaller and looked weaker generally and it did not last the first day before dying so I assumed that this one was healthy and all OK - Isn't nature grand and full of suprises.

Thanks for all the additional info, and with the milder weather on the way looking forward to getting out and looking for some more suprises


Cheers Chas