Gonatopus lunatus
A solitary parasitoid wasp belonging to the family Dryinidae (Pincer Wasps). Wingless ant-like females have specialized, scissor-like front legs with raptorial claws used to capture and parasitize leafhopper or planthopper nymphs. The eggs are laid on the abdomen of the temporarily paralysed bug and the larvae develop in a cyst which protrudes from the body of the hopper.
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.
Unknown.
Unknown.
Archer, M. The use of Perkins (1976) to identify species of DEBs (Dryinidae, Embolemidae, Bethylidae) with extra notes. https://bwars.com/sites/default/files/diary_downloads/Key_to_British_DEB_species.pdf
AJ Cann
Rutland Water Lagoon 7
03 July 2026
female
AJ Cann
Rutland Water Lagoon 7
03 July 2026
female
AJ Cann
Rutland Water Lagoon 7
03 July 2026
female raptorial claw
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Species profile
- Species group:
- insect - hymenopteran
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Hymenoptera
- Family:
- Dryinidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 1
- First record:
- 03/07/2026 (Cann, Alan)
- Last record:
- 03/07/2026 (Cann, Alan)
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