Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Wasp (Ant mimic) for ID please
Posted by Flippie on 19-05-2016 08:55
#1
I would appreciate help in identification of this small wasp measuring around 3.5 - 4mm. It was photographed in Cape Town, South Africa a few days ago. It is an excellent ant mimic although the effect is lost at high magnification. It flatly refused to fly and the two white stripes on the wing had me thinking there was a noded petiole before the photo magnification revealed otherwise (squinting reproduces the effect partially by removing some detail). Thanks for the help.
Best Wishes
Philip
4 Photos
Posted by Flippie on 19-05-2016 08:56
#2
Photo 2:
Posted by Flippie on 19-05-2016 08:56
#3
Photo 3:
Posted by Flippie on 19-05-2016 08:57
#4
Photo 4:
Posted by Marc T on 19-05-2016 09:04
#5
Hi Philip,
from my point of view it's definitly a chalcid wasp, most probably belonging to family Eupelmidae (due to large, undivided mesopleuron).
You might try the Chalcidoidea-section on forum.hymis.de for further ID.
Very nice pics!
Best regards,
Marc
Posted by Flippie on 19-05-2016 17:17
#6
Hi Marc
Thank you very much for the ID and info on furthering it. Will try the forum also!
Best wishes
Philip
Posted by HDumas on 26-05-2016 22:19
#7
Yes, very nice pictures!
Indeed it's a female Eupelmidae. It looks like an Eupelminae to me, but I don't know south african genera.
The enlarged midbasitarsus and the strong midtibial spur (last picture) are two other diagnostic features of females. They are very good jumpers, and I've never seen any of them fly.
Edited by HDumas on 26-05-2016 22:21