Insect · GBIF taxon 8263988
Zatypota maculata
Zatypota maculataThese specialized koinobiont ectoparasitoids target cobweb spiders, temporarily paralyzing their host to affix a single egg directly onto the spider's abdomen. The emerging larva feeds externally on host hemolymph while the spider continues normal life, until the final instar chemically manipulates the host into spinning a reinforced cocoon web before killing it. Adults inhabit vegetated understories and woodland margins throughout Japan, sipping nectar and searching foliage for host retreats.
ParasitoidEndemicWasps
Licensed referencePolysphinctine / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Nihonhimea japonica
- Floral nectar
- Honeydew
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Jumping spiders
- Dragonflies
ThreatsHabitat loss, pesticide runoff, and declines in host spider populations
HabitatsTemperate deciduous forests, woodland edges, and montane shrublands
Life span1–2 months as adult
Classification
- FamilyIchneumonidae
- SpeciesZatypota maculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe at close range.
Responsible observation
- Host Searching: Inspect the tangled cobwebs of Nihonhimea spiders under broad leaves to spot developing larvae or cocoons.
- Close Watching: Approach low shrubs slowly without casting a shadow, allowing unobstructed views of resting adults.
Host (c) Franz Anthony, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Franz Anthony · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative Same Family
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