another fencepost hymenoperan

[mickmassie]

Following on from my earlier post, I'm pushing my luck here. This one is a much smaller, but all part of the fencepost community.

A bit more difficult from a photo I suspect. Any pointers please ?




Thanks, MM.

[eucera]

This is a male Hylaeus bee. It looks like H. communis

[welsh.lensman]

Hi MM, I'm new to insect ID and can only guess, but it might be worth googling the bee Hylaeus signatus its one of several similar species, but the white on the face appears to be like your specimen.
I'm sure someone with more knowledge will come in and give you a more reliable ID than mine.

Got caught in the crossover there eucera.

[mickmassie]

Thanks again.
Do Hylaeus have a specific parasite ? The parasite would have to be pretty small too I suppose.
MM.

[eucera]

Hi

There are no cleptoparasitic bees associated with Hylaeus, and no aculeate wasps that invade the nests. I would be staggered if there weren't chalcids or similar that are nest parasites

[mickmassie]

Thanks Stuart, is this one likely to be Hylaeus communis too ?
This photo was taken last year at Chiswick Quay, there were dozens of these around at the time.



MM.

[eucera]

This one is also a male Hylaeus, but it is not H. communis. H. hyalinatus would get my vote, I am by no means certain of this though. There are other bits I'd need to see before being more confident

[mickmassie]

By 'other bits', I take it you mean genitalia. Can't help there I'm afraid!
M.

[eucera]

amongst others!! .... punctation on T1, malar space width, form of the sternites are also important

[mickmassie]

Gulp! I think I'll stick to spiders.

Seriously, it is great for novices to be able to post on here and get a good idea of miscellaneous groups that we may never become expert at (and without fear that we are 'bothering' reluctant experts).

Thanks much, M.