pseudomalus violaceus Netherlands? Yes!

[pietsje]

I think it must be P. violaceus. This one I saw today in my garden. I saw them now the last 3 years once or twice in my garden since 2010, The Netherlands (southern part). So I presume it is him/her. This one looked slightly bigger but size is maybe variable.

I have a new (not proven) theory about these Pseudomaluses: it follows the scent of ants that lead them to aphids. This time it was checking a Lonicera for Aphids (I presume). Last year I spotted one on one of my roses. It is only checking plants that has aphids and ants on them so it seemed. My roses are late now because of some frostdamage. So there are not many aphids (yet) ont them. On my Lonicera's on the other hand yes!

Paolo started a topic on hymis.de about the relationship between certain Chrysididae species and aphids but the topic is now 'in rest' because he is too busy I think . I'm curious if there are new developments on his study to Pseudomalus/Omalus in relation to aphids (and ants????).
Sadly there are not many sightings of this beautiful species in The Netherlands.

Kind regards,
Pietsje

[anillus]

Congratulations Pietsje,

really a beautiful species.

Also interesting are the observations.



Best regards
Andrea

[pietsje]

Thank you Andrea. I like this species very much