Nutrition
Adult Form: The parasitoid emerald cockroach wasp
relies primarily on the hemolymph of cockroaches and other insects
that vary by region. Although the wasp is equipped with mandibles,
it is unable to consume solid food and thus "sucks" the hemolymph
from its prey (Lifecycle of the wasp 2012). This can be observed
during Ampulex compressa's interactions with the American
cockroach when the wasp clips the ends of the cockroach's antennae.
This allows hemolymph to flow from the antennae and gives the wasp a
quick meal to regain the energy she lost in her stings.
Larva and Pupa Form: Once the egg hatches, the larva will eat into the abdomen of the cockroach until if forms a hole large enough to crawl into. Once inside the cockroach the larva feeds on the hemolymph and organs of the living cockroach in order to gain the nutrition to grow into its pupa form and eventually its adult form.