Insects ID please

[dmclean2]

Hi GUys,
These three insects were in the same rotting tree trunk lying on the ground,
under the bark. The beetle is about 4mm long,
the other two are, I think Ichneumons, Possibly one is I. suspiciosus,
Is one a female and the other a male perhaps? or different species altogether
Cheers,
Duncan

[aeshna5]

The beetle is Silpha atrata.

[Geoff F]

Judging by the brightness of the yellow and the yellow tip to the tail, I would suggest I. stramentarius for the second image. But strictly conditional on the usual difficult to be certain without a microscope opt outs.

[Dogghound]

I agree on Ichneumon stramentarius for 3. 2 Is part of the same sub family Ichneumoninae.

[naturegirl]

Blimey, these guys are good!!!

Naturegirl

[Pudding4brains]

Howdy,

I think the atrata has been given a genus of it's own nowadays: Phosphuga atrata

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Pudding4brains

Howdy,

I think the atrata has been given a genus of it's own nowadays: Phosphuga atrata

It's impossible to keep up with all these changes. With a bit of luck it'll go full circle!

[Dogghound]

How sure are you that it is Phosphuga atrata there are three very similar species in the UK. I believe they are differenciated by the hight of the ridges on the elytra in relation to the sutural ridge. Which would involve comparing directly with another specimen. However Phosphuga atrata is our most abundant species with Silpha tristis and Silpha obscura, both very similar looking but less common but both in kent.

[dmclean2]

Thanks for your help guys,
I realy appreciate your input, and I'm Learning all the time that you disscuss a subject, I know that there are changes going on with genus for some species
but I'm not that far advanced yet to take it all in,
Cheers,
Duncan