Presumed Chrysocharis pentheus

On 30th August 2014 I found leaf mines on Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) that had several diptera mines resembling those caused by Liriomyza eupatorii. I took one home that was still vacated in an attempt to rear and photograph but instead found that the larva was parasitised by what appears to be Chrysocharis pentheus. Little is known about these insects and the distribution is also unclear although they are said to be found in the UK.

Presumed Chrysocharis pentheus

Diptera mine on Hemp Agrimony

Eulophidae sp

Out in the garden this morning I came across this little insect on a bramble leaf. Intrigued by it's branched antennae I investigated further and concluded that it may be one of the Eulophidae.

Amblyteles armatorius?

Ichneumon wasps are notorious for being difficult to identify but this one does look a dead ringer for Amblyteles armatorius. Found patrolling the garden yesterday it was still present today so I netted it, cooled it down ready for a photo shoot.

Amblyteles armatorius?

Amblyteles armatorius?

Gasteruption jaculator

Sometimes you meet an impressive looking insect and hope you can put a name to it. This was so with this Gasteruption jaculator. Despite being a wasp I thought it was distinctive enough to be able to ID. The female uses Solitary Bee and Wasp larvae as the host.

Gasteruption jaculator

Aphidius parasitic wasps

A few days ago I found what looked like an obese aphid sat on a bramble leaf. Since then these odd looking things have become increasingly common with several on nettles yesterday. I found out that it was to do with parasitic wasps. Yesterday I caught a couple and attempted to make an identification. Keying out wasn't possible on all of the 29 species of parasitic wasp on aphids but I did find a match with Aphidius matricariae.

Parasitised Aphid

Aphidius sp possible matricariae

Ichneumon xanthorius

Pleased to find one of these today and pleased that I was able to identify it. Out of all the wildlife Ichneumon wasps are as difficult as any other species mainly because of the lack of information. However there is chunks of info on the internet here and there if you dig deep enough. This wasp was found at ground level and mainly sticking to grass heads and when disturbed would fly a short distance to another grass stem and climb up to the head.

Ichneumon xanthorius

Moth trapping on night of 29th May

It was slightly overcast and temperatures were up to 13 degrees by nightfall so I set out for a couple of hours moth trapping. Quite a few interesting insects came to the trap but the Noctuid numbers were still very low for the time of year. Highlights were the migrant Diamond-backed Moth, Purple Bar, Small-waved Umber, Light Brocade, Rustic Shoulder-knot, Sandy Carpet, Yellow-barred Brindle, Orange Footman. Insects included Potato Leafhopper, Liophloeus tessulatus Weevil and Short-tailed Ichneumon Wasp.

Potato Leafhopper

Yellow Ophion Ichneumon Wasp

Liophloeus tessulatus