Knowledgebase

Insect egg cluster identification #767494

Asked August 15, 2021, 9:28 PM EDT

I have white oval shaped insect egg clusters appearing on outside metal porch railing. Need help identifying. 

Williamson County Texas

Expert Response

Some type of caterpillar eggs, but I can't tell which kind as they all look very similar.  The wasps are parasitoids that will lay their eggs in the egg mass, so they are beneficial.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 16, 2021, 12:57 PM EDT

Those actually aren’t wasps, they appeared to be some kind of small flying ant or something like that. Wasn’t sure if they were the ones that laid the eggs or a parasite. We haven’t seen much caterpillar activity though. When the eggs hatch it results in a large mass of quickly moving larvae. 

The Question Asker Replied August 16, 2021, 1:46 PM EDT

They are Braconid wasps that are parasitizing the eggs.  They may not parasitize all of the eggs, so you may have some caterpillars emerge out.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 16, 2021, 3:18 PM EDT

Loading ...