Anacharis zealandica

Anacharis zealandica pair of eyes are on the sides of its head for optimal peripheral vision to see both prey and predator coming from all directions.^[5] This eye structure is discoverable in all wasp species as well as Diptera.^[6] The body of Anacharis zealandica has a glossy, shiny look.^[7] The legs are a lighter shade of brown than the body.^[8] Both Anacharis zealandica pair of wings are transparent, scaly, and thin, with one pair being larger than the other.^[9] The size of an adult Anacharis zealandica is often around 5mm long.^[10] Adult Anacharis zealandica have a head width of roughly 0.5mm.^[11] Many Hymenoptera including Anacharis zealandica use the hairs on their body to enhance their smell and taste senses.^[12] Anacharis zealandica has a thin waist (petiole) that connects its abdomen and thorax.^[13] Anacharis zealandica has 3 pairs of jointed legs and a pair of jointed antennae.^[14] Anacharis zealandica is a rare species to find due to its size so I could not find any information on larvae identification.

Anacharis zealandica is native to New Zealand.^[15] In the North Island of New Zealand, Anacharis zealandica has been found in Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Hawke's Bay, Auckland, Taranaki, Taupo, Whanganui, Northland, Waikato, and Wellington.^[16] In the South Island, Anacharis zealandica has been found in Central Otago, Dunedin, Kaikoura, Buller, Mid Canterbury, Mackenzie, Nelson, Marlborough, South Canterbury, Marlborough Sounds, Southland, Westland, and Otago Lakes.^[17] Anacharis zealandica has also been found throughout Australia.^[18] In Australia, Anacharis zealandica has been found in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.^[19] The only part of Australia in which Anacharis zealandica has not been found is the Northern Territory.^[20] Anacharis zealandica has also been found on Kermadec Islands, Snares Islands, Three Kings Islands, and Chatham Islands, all off the coast of New Zealand.^[21]

The preferred habitat of Anacharis zealandica as a larva is the brown lacewing Micromus tasmaniae which is why the common name of Anacharis zealandica is lacewing parasitoid wasp.^[22] Micromus tasmaniae has enough energy to host Anacharis zealandica so Anacharis zealandica can harvest the energy to feed off the lacewing as a larva.^[22] Micromus tasmaniae prefers habitats with temperate weather conditions which are conditions Anacharis zealandica has adapted to since it needs Micromus tasmaniae to survive.^[22] Micromus tasmaniae does not like hotter climates.^[23] When individuals of Anacharis zealandica are larvae, Micromus tasmaniae is large enough to host Anacharis zealandica and keep both species alive.^[22] Micromus tasmaniae prefers lowland shrubs and bush with not too high canopy cover.^[23] As an adult, Anacharis zealandica prefers slightly cooler temperatures and areas with less high canopy cover.^[23] Fagopyrum esculentum is another preferred habitat of Anacharis zealandica due to the floral assets the buckwheat flower can provide to Anacharis zealandica and its host.^[23]

Anacharis zealandica starts its life cycle as an egg within Micromus tasmaniae. Anacharis zealandica stays as an egg for roughly 4-10 days.^[24] These eggs hatch into larva, living as a parasitoid of Micromus tasmaniae with the focus of feeding on the host.^[25] Anacharis zealandica are larva for roughly 13-17 days.^[26] Anacharis zealandica then become pupa for roughly 7-19 days until the individual then turns into an independent adult.^[27] Anacharis zealandica live the rest of their life as an adult for roughly 2-3 weeks.^[28] The reason for the variation of longevity in each part of the life cycle is due to habitat variation and living conditions.^[29] As an adult, Anacharis zealandica feeds on nectar from flowers such as Fagopyrum esculentum.^[30] This defines Anacharis zealandica as a life-history omnivore.^[29] Buckwheat consumption contributes to a longer lifespan of adult Anacharis zealandica.^[29]