Pseudomalus auratus/Philoctetes bidentulus (Lepeletier)?

[pietsje]

I have several specimens of P. auratus (and violaceus and ?) in my garden last years (since I notice them... ). From May until September I see them on several locations in my garden, southern part of The Netherlands.. Now I'm in doubt. These two (first two pics) look different from the specimen I usually see. More robust and with a slightly broader head. One from today, 8/8/2013 and one from 30/6/2013. For comparison one from the same date, 30/6/2013 (pic 5019375).

Or am I wrong and they are all Pseudomalus auratus?

[Alex]

Very likely P. auratus, however the somewhat similar (but rarer) P. triangulifer is also a possible candidate, although it is on average a larger species. Good, sharp, shots of the middle antennal segments are the best (only reliable?) way to separate them, with auratus having a length to width (L/W) ratio of ~1 or less, while triangulifer has longer antennae, with the middle antennal segments clearly longer than wide.

I've tried taking pictures of Chrysidids before, so I understand that taking shots of live animals that clearly show the antennae is such a way is almost impossible.... From the above pictures it does seem to me that the segments are quite long, but I am not at all experienced enough to say

/Alex

[pietsje]

Alex, thanks for your reply and explanation. I didn't know about the antennae. I shall try to make good pictures in the future with my new camera (Canon Eos 1100d 60mm macrolens). But indeed, nearly impossible with Chrysididae to snapshot them good for details. As a lure I use honey, solved in warm water to get them onthe spot I want. It works (especially for flies, wasps, beetles etc. ) but they get hyperactive, more than they usually already are !

[pietsje]

Today I saw 3 specimens of I think is indeed P. auratus, first 2 pics(looking at the antennae). They differ in size and coloration. And I was lucky, I saw also P. violaceus! Spraying a honeysolution is a good method

[Euchroeus]

Hi everyone!

I think that someone of this specimen could be Philoctetes bidentulus (Lepeletier), just look at the punctuation on mesonotum, the hairs and the shape of the metanotum. At least the first pictures shoul be bidentulus.

Cheers
Paolo

[pietsje]

Paolo, wow, I didn't see that one coming! I found (some of) it slightly different but couldn't put a finger on it (literally ). Since I put so many pictures on I'm not sure which ones you mean by first pictures (first pic in my original first topic?). Sorry to bother you with it. I'm not sure if this pic helps, I remove it if not.

I'm asking you this since Philoctetes bidentulus (Lepeletier) is reported as very rare for The Netherlands...