Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Ichneumon wasp

Posted by Robert Nash on 20-06-2006 13:31
#10

Translation (draft) First of all no specifically essential structural element can be appreciated in this photo: we do not have any idea of the size besides (probably around 10-12 mm, not more).
In spite of the invisible petiole I think of a platylabine because one can distinguish:
1) jizz ? typical of Platylabini: legs thin and lengthened, flagellum with reduced white macula (spots) and located in the posterior half .
2) the anterior segments of the abdomen with apical ?margin?s?

3) lower part of the coxae maculated (spotted) white (see in particular the procoxae)
4) entirely white external orbits (practically all the platylabines have times thus maculated outside)
5)
alitronc (mesothorax) very maculated with white (humeral lines entirely and in particular)

Especially the very narrow (antero-posteriorly) head with the particularly reduced temples (area between ocelli and eye; scapes very short) suggests not Coelichneumon and brings closer us the platylabines
For me this not very appreciable sight brings us closer to male Pristiceros infractorius but the anterior segments of the abdomen being a little rufescents is little awkward; on the other hand at this species has the medial segments of the abdomen have well the posterior margin light as seen. The legs are those of the platylabines. The scutellum is too flat for Hybophorellus; the head too narrow for Acolobus sp.

Note the reliance on shape and proportion and less defined thoracic and head "areas":( than in Diptera and no chaetotaxy to help. Fortunately Townes Genera of the Ichneumonidae benefited from Japanese illustration. Note also Chthirion's mix of diagnostic and diiferential characters. Very well argued case:p and a tough call. Impressive.