Ichneumoninae for identifiaction

[reefbirder]

Hi All,

This has been one of those frustrating identifications, thanks to previous help I have received on this site I have a little idea of what I am looking for and where to find information. however I am stuck with this one



It looks like a Coelichneumon cyaniventris because of the markings an the head and thorax, as well as the lack of pale bands on the legs. However the lack of marking on the abdomen seem to confuse it.

Any offers?

Rob

[JRsbugs]

Hi Rob,

After going through 44 pages of the Ichneumonine subfamily on Camille Thirion's site, I came across Hepiopelmus melanogaster (I think female as males have a narrower abdomen) which looks a reasonably good match but this is not a certainty, these wasps can vary so little from species to species. There looks to be a whitish streak on the shoulder, whether that is variable I don't know as some markings are. Look also on page 45..

Laboratoire: Insectes et environnement

We have it in the UK.. but records are often lacking on the NBN.

NBN Gateway - interactive species mapper

I went a few pages further and found Hoplismenus bidentatus which seems to be closer..

Laboratoire: Insectes et environnement

Look closely and I think you can see the reddish tinted abdominal section which has a bulge.. the eye shape seems right, and the white stripe on the inner edge..

Hoplismenus bidentatus

NBN Gateway - interactive species mapper

There is a melanic form..

Laboratoire: Insectes et environnement

[reefbirder]

Hi,

Thanks for that,

These things are as bad as South American flycatchers!! lol
As you state there is subtle variation between the species. I looked at the sites suggested and my goodness some come close but seem to lack a key characteristic. However, I am very happy to get it down to genus (Hoplismenus).

Rob