Torymid wasp - parasitoid of Speckled Gall Wasp

See Charley's comments on this image

… Lynette Elliott, 18 December, 2010 - 10:36am

Moved

… Lynette Elliott, 23 July, 2010 - 11:47pm

Torymid is correct…

Meets the criteria for this family including the metallic green/bronze coloration, a long ovipositor, a long marginal wing vein with a shortened stigma, swollen hind femurs, and even well-formed parapsidal sutures can be seen here. Can be safely moved from Cynipidae.

See reference here.

… Ross Hill, 23 July, 2010 - 7:14pm

Thanks

I don't suppose anyone knows where I got the idea that this is the only species that lives on Garry Oak?

… Lynette Elliott, 23 July, 2010 - 7:21pm

Well ok, since you asked…

Is it possible that you read in Kaufman's field guide (p 102) that "Western Speckled Oak Galls are caused by Besbicus mirabilis", and just assumed that it was the only species that could emerge from there?

… Ross Hill, 23 July, 2010 - 11:27pm

No I don't think that was it...

I'm sure I had a verbal confirmation from someone. I'll have to check my contacts at the Preserve. Thanks for all your help.

… Lynette Elliott, 23 July, 2010 - 11:53pm

Are you sure this is a Cynipid?

To me (and I'm definitely not an expert) it more-closely resembles a Torymid; which, according to here, also lives in galls. According to Bugguide's info page, Cynipidae have elongate first hind tarsal segments and telescoped abdomens. Also, according to Richard Vernier's comment here, Cynipoids lack a costal vein. I don't see these characters in this individual.

Nevertheless, I CERTAINLY welcome corrections!

… Peter Edelman, 17 June, 2010 - 6:21pm

I'll look into this..

I certainly can't answer it. I'll get back to you (eventually).

… Lynette Elliott, 20 June, 2010 - 5:36pm