Ichneumon Flies
A section of Hymenoptera, characterised by usually slender bodies, veined wings, with the veins inclosing several spaces or cells, and long vibratile antennae of numerous joints. The females have an ovipositor, which, in some, is very long; they lay their eggs in the bodies of other insects, especially in larvae, and the larvae of the Ichneumon feed in the body of the insect. Sometimes, only one is present; at other times, a large number feed in the same insect. Few insects, if any, are wholly free from the attacks of Ichneumons, which are among the most active and efficient allies of the gardener, because of the number of destructive insects killed by them. Hence, Ichneumon Flies ought to be protected, as far as possible, by every horticulturist alive to his own interests.