Chrysis.net Forum

Any chance of a name for this medium sized chrysidid please? Seen almost two months ago on Monte Menegosa (Val d’Arda, PC), about 1000m. It emerged several times from underneath a dwarf juniper, ran down the sandy slope and started climbing quickly around the small plant shown. Sometimes it would stop for a short time, apparently to feed on anthers it had exposed, or perhaps it was really after nectar? I really should know by now but I’m not even sure of the genus (Chrysis or perhaps a Hedychrum). Apologies the photos are not very good, the wasp was in strong sunlight and although I was able to get close, my camera seemed to be confused by all the reflections and refused to focus exactly on the surface of the integument!).
Thanks for any advice,
Brian

Hi Brian,

This is a male of Chrysis and belongs to the aestiva group.
I think that this is Chrysis maderi Linsenmaier.

Thank you Paolo, as always I’m very grateful for your expert opinion. Back home in UK now and unlikely to be finding active chrysidids now, so that could be my last question of the year! Even though because of Covid restrictions I had to miss what was the best time of year for me for Chrysidids in Val d’Arda last year (late June - early July) I have still had 12 identified through this website this year, mostly to species level. That has been an amazing help and very encouraging for a beginner.
Brian

Dear Brian,

you're always welcome with your questions and nice pictures!
I'm glad that you find some help in the forum

Ciao
Paolo