White antennae wasp ID

Moved

… John S. Ascher, 30 August, 2014 - 1:42am

Hmmm

White-banded flagella are much more common for Ichneumonidae than Braconidae, but the combination of very read mettasoma and black wings is more common in Braconidae. What I don't know is whether the way the antennae are thickened centrally and narrowed apically is at all typical for Braconidae. It certainly can be in some females of the ichneumoonid subfamilies Ichneumoninae and Cryptinae. As females of Cryptinae have long ovipositors, this would be a female cryptine, but it could be a female ichneumonine. The coloration, including the black hind tibia seems distinctive but isn't ringing any bell for me. I will ask the bracnologist, Dr. Marsh whether he recongizes this.

… Bob Carlson, 4 March, 2014 - 8:35pm

Possibility

Dr. Marsh says this is a tough one but wonders if it might be Agathidinae based on the shape of the head.

… Bob Carlson, 5 March, 2014 - 6:55pm

Surely an ichneumonid

Note second recurrent vein

… John S. Ascher, 30 August, 2014 - 1:43am

I Would Agree

If I could see one, but I don't.

… Bob Carlson, 30 August, 2014 - 2:16pm

Thank you guys for the ID help.

Argh!! After looking at the subfamily and doing some reading, this is a really tough group. After reviewing my notes and pictures, it appears that I saw an identical wasp four days prior at the same site. Also I had one additional but fuzzy shot of this specimen which shows the thorax and leg spurs that I will add for ID help.

… Cliff Ivy, 5 March, 2014 - 9:03pm

Distinctive

Yes, it is surely the same species as the first. The color combination of the white band on the flagellum, the red metasoma, and the all-black hind tibia is quite distinctive, and I suppose that someone who specializes on the group in which this species belongs can probably identify it even though the characters for the family or the genus aren't evident. If it is Agathidinae, that specialist would be Dr. Michael Sharkey.

… Bob Carlson, 6 March, 2014 - 5:22pm

Moved for expert attention

Moved from ID Request.

… Ken Wolgemuth, 4 March, 2014 - 2:17pm