A Study of the Prey, Enemies, and Habits of the Great-Golden Digger Wasp Chlorion ichneumoneum (L.)

Abstract

It is a paradox that a common wasp such as Chlorion ichneumoneum (L.) should be so unknown. Fernald (1907) states that the great-golden digger is found from South America to New England, and some parts of Canada, but until Frisch (1937) published his excellent paper only piecemeal accounts were written about its bionomics, prey, and parasites.On the campus of Cornell University, two large colonies (about 50 wasps) have thrived for years. These conveniently located colonies offered a rich opportunity for a long range study.