Pseudomalus auratus

Description

One of several very handsome species within this family, with a ruby red body and blue green thorax and head, the whole having a rather metallic lustre. There are several very similar species and great care is needed when identifying these wasps.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

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.

Habitat

Found in the open habitats of its stem- and wood-nesting hosts. Usually associated with bramble, but also apple, elder, loganberry, oak, peach, raspberry, rose and willow.

When to see it

Usually June to August, but also May and September and rarely April and October.

Life History

Probably a parasitoid on small stem and wood-nesting Sphecid wasps.

UK Status

Widespread from Cornwall to Kent and north to Westmorland and North Yorkshire.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

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:
Bees, Wasps, Ants
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Chrysididae
Records on NatureSpot:
3
First record:
16/06/2019 (Berriman, Matthew)
Last record:
25/05/2020 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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