Iridescent bronze(m) and copper(f) wasp or fly for id.

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

Beautiful to observe through the viewfinder but difficult to photograph as the female was constantly on the move.

The smaller male at the back did manage to briefly join with the female, however my close attention was obviously distressing the female so after taking a couple of shots I reluctantly left them to it.

Help with identification appreciated as always:



Bruce

[Jason Green]

Evening Bruce,

It looks like one of them 'mating frenzies'. Possibly Pteromalidae, but not nearly certain.

Take care,

Jason

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Jason - Well at least I now know they're wasps .

I found this interesting web page Checklist of UK Recorded Pteromalidae . Reading it through suggests identification to species might well be difficult.

Bruce