#Oligositasanguinea

[addicted2wasps]

Out of all the described wasps species, about 70% or more are parasitoids, most of them can't even sting! There are some Ichneumonid wasps that can "sting" with their short, stalky ovipositors, but the pain is mild and subsides fairly quickly. The other 30% or less are the Aculeates, which are the stinging ants, bees and wasps. I figured it was time to finally draw a Trichogrammatid wasp, this one being Oligosita (possibly O. sanguinea). At barely 0.5mm long, she is extremely tiny. She is a parasitoid of tiny insect eggs such as armoured scale insects and gall midges. Other Oligosita spp. target a range of other eggs, like Hemipterans and also some Dipterans and Coleopterans. Trichogrammatid wasps are widely used for biocontrol. It's amazing how such tiny wasps can be so incredibly patterned and detailed.

[addicted2wasps]

I'm halfway through my drawing project! Just another 25 wasps to go and I'll be finished! I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but at least I'm halfway done. This Oligosita (possibly O. sanguinea), is the 25th drawing out of 50 so far! I started this project with Chrysis equestris on January 16th 2024. I'm aiming to finish by the end of the year, but that might be unlikely. We'll see! :)