Very hairy gall wasp

[Bruce Williams]

Stockgrove Country Park, Beds.

Ok, I've assumed that this is a gall wasp as it looks anatomically so similar to the insect in my recent "sticky toffee" posting.

I have seen several of this type over recent days, however they are a pig to photograph because they never (well rarely) stop walking so it's a matter of mentally crossing your fingers and letting them walk into focus . This shot was probably taken during a momentary pause in its pacing.



Bruce

[JRsbugs]

That looks like the one I had Bruce, Andricus quercuscalicis.

Janet

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Janet .

Bruce

[Torymus]

Yes - probably Andricus quercuscalicis (ag). This species is not native and appeared in the UK about 1970's. Andricus kollari (mid 1800's), Andricus lignicola (1970's) and Andricus corruptrix (?) are also aliens. Since 1998 we have added Andricus grossulariae and Andricus aries and Andricus lucidus has become established. All are common in south east England and spreading. The galls are easily identified. I have a series of bred specimens of all of them. To be honest, if I was to take the labels off the specimens and mix them all up, it would be difficult to get them back into series and identify them! (Even with a microscope). The insect in the Sticky toffee thread somehow looks different though - perhaps the use of flash has changed the appearance - it is very bright.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for the interesting information Torymus.

I can't say for sure how much the use of diffused flash has affected the image - of course there is always some effect. However it's also the case that natural light shots taken in different ambient conditions will produce quite different results.

What I can say is the "sticky toffee" wasp stood out as "bright and shiny, sticky toffee" looking" even through the viewfinder. My memory is of a very similar looking insect in ambient light - if that helps .

Bruce