Gastrancistrus
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.
Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and submit photos of key features.
The majority of Gastrancistrus species are parasitoids of Diptera, often Cecidomyiidae (gall midges).
Widespread.
Unknown.
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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)
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% of records within its species group
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