Tiny 6mm Jewel Wasp

[tigger]

This tiny jewel wasp appeared at my bee/wasp hotel today. Only about 5-6mm long (I've left the bluebottle in for size comparison as they are about 10-12mm).

I wondered if it was a Chrysis sp?

Awful photos I'm afraid! all a bit of a rush once I saw it. Didn't stay around long!

Many thanks. Jane

[Ukwildlifeo]

looks like a ruby tailed wasp - I believe there are a number of similar species

[tigger]

Thanks. Yes, several similar species - but wondered how many were only 5mm. The ones I've seen before have been much larger (1cm+).

Jane

[JRsbugs]

Hi Jane,

It looks like one of the Chrysis ignita group, a female. I can see a crown shape on the tail end. It does look vey much like one I had recently, but mine was a male and it was sat on the wall waiting for the sun to warm it up which is a first! They usually run all over the place.

These are so difficult, I haven't seen any at 1cm, they are usually between 5 and 7mm. Mine was about 7mm. I found they now have a forum on Chrysis.net so I posted mine there and got a reply, you need to see features which mine didn't quite show but I got a possible species within the group. Take a look.

Janet

[Jason Green]

Morning Jane,

I could be just about convinced this is a Chrysis species, but no way will you get a reliable species-level photographically, unfortunately.

It takes long enough to convince yourself with one under the microscope that you could be dealing with C. ignita - but this is now a species-complex of about 4. I believe their separation is based on even more subjective, subtle comparisons of punctual depth and spacing. Getting to ignita grp. alone, involves the antennal ratios!

Janet - 'S-11' is sternite 2. There is often a pair of black spots present - their comparative size and placement helping us separate species.

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

Thanks Jason, I worked it out after.

[Jason Green]

Pleasure.

[tigger]

Thanks for all your comments (and information) on the Jewel wasp. Love these little creatures. Never thought I'd say that I loved "wasps"!

Jane