Ichneumon Fly (Noun)
Meaning
Hymenopterous insect that resembles a wasp and whose larvae are parasitic on caterpillars and other insect larvae.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- In the garden, a tiny ichneumon fly hovered around the leaves looking for parasitic hosts for its larvae.
- Many ichneumon flies have evolved to mimic wasps in order to avoid predators, a defense mechanism in itself.
- Researchers specializing in hymenopterous insects have been studying an ichneumon fly species that specifically parasitizes caterpillars.
- Farmers often rely on the beneficial effect of the ichneumon fly to keep the caterpillar population under control.
- As the ichneumon fly's larvae mature, they ultimately kill their caterpillar hosts, a vital aspect of the ecosystem's balance.