Gonatopus lunatus

Gonatopus lunatus

Description

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. 

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.

UK Status

Unknown.

VC55 Status

Unknown.

Further Information

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

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records