[ID] Three ichneumons... please!

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

I have three ichneumon wasps for ID - or partially, at least!

?/04/2009

This was my first Ichneumon wasp of 2009 as I remember, in April sometime I think. I saw a website today where it's got the same orange/yellow/black antennal colouration, and then the same black/yellow uniform abdominal stripes. Yes, some other members from Ichneumoninae sub do too but would I be right in thinking it fits the bill for Ichneumon xanthorius? The pointers fit very well. If so, what is the UK status of this please.

2009

I think I posted this once before. Anyway, I haven't seen a pale white/cream wasp before. Any ideas?

?/08?/2009

Any ideas on species or sub-family? It looks pretty distinctive, with the red thorax - haven't seen that before - and the white scutellum. The abdomen is long, too.

Thanks for looking!

Take care,

Jason

[Dogghound]

1. looks good for Ichneumon xanthorius, wide spread and fairly common I believe.

2. Has a Braconid look to it.

3. Possibly Ctenopelmatinae.

[Jason Green]

Thanks Dan.

So, what are the general pointers to the Ctenopelmatinae sub? One thing I've noticed is way the thorax is slightly raised above the wing-level, and the small, very round scutellum. They also seem to have long, thin abdomens that extend beyond the wings. Is this fair, is it 'jist'-related or is thre another way to identify this sub-family?

[Dogghound]

Yes alot is jist from photos, there are specific characters that can be used, when looking at an individual under a microscope. Also wing characteristics.