Noble Cards: Season One

This macro photo of the ichneumon wasp captures its striking face and eyes in incredible detail. The wasp"s head is perfectly centred in the frame, with its enormous green eyes taking up the majority of the space. The iridescent green colour of the eyes is stunning, reflecting the surrounding light and creating a mesmerising visual effect.

The ichneumon wasp is a type of parasitic wasp that belongs to the family Ichneumonidae. They are named after the ancient Greek word ""ichneumon,"" which means ""tracker"" or ""hunter."" Ichneumon wasps are found all over the world, with over 100,000 species identified so far.

The adult ichneumon wasp does not harm humans or other animals; they primarily feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. However, the female ichneumon wasp has a unique and fascinating method of reproduction. She will search for a host insect, such as a caterpillar or beetle, and then use her ovipositor (a long, needle-like structure) to lay her eggs inside the host"s body. Once the eggs hatch, the wasp larvae will feed on the host"s tissues, eventually killing it.

Despite their parasitic nature, ichneumon wasps are considered beneficial insects in many ecosystems. They can help to control pest populations by targeting insects that damage crops or other plants. In fact, some species of ichneumon wasps are specifically used as biological control agents in agriculture.

Ichneumon wasps have long been studied by scientists due to their intricate life cycles and important ecological roles. They continue to fascinate and intrigue entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.