Gastrancistrus

Description

Length 2-3mm. Antennal toruli (antenna sockets) are positioned low on the face, at or below the level of the lower margin of the eyes. Female antennae have 5 or 6 funicle segments and a 3-segmented club (clava); male antennae have 6 funicular segments and a 2-segmented club. The clypeus is convex with a curved anterior margin, and they possess 4-toothed mandibles. The notauli (the longitudinal grooves on the mesoscutum) are complete and relatively deep. The body surface is largely smooth or exhibits a very shallow, delicate reticulate (net-like) patterning, giving them a distinct metallic green, blue, or bronze sheen. The forewings have a distinctly long, thick marginal vein; the postmarginal and stigmal veins are short by comparison. 

50 UK species, very difficult to identify.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and submit photos of key features. 

Life History

The majority of Gastrancistrus species are parasitoids of Diptera, often Cecidomyiidae (gall midges). 

UK Status

Widespread.

VC55 Status

Unknown.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - hymenopteran
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Pteromalidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
11/05/2026 (Cann, Alan)
Last record:
11/05/2026 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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