Chrysis.net Forum

6 June 2023, Val d’Arda, N Apennines, Italy. In rocky and well-wooded limestone mountains. This looked very bright red and green to the eye, and very large for a chrysidid. It appeared on a dead branch next to a track, and after very quickly running and flying, it came again, at least four times in an hour (or perhaps different individuals?). I think it must be a Chrysura. Can this be confirmed? Is it possible to suggest the species? I do not have a view of the sternites. Might it be Chrysura austriaca? It seems to have a very long face. Thank you for any help…..
Brian

Hi Brian,

With this coloration, short hairs on head and thorax, angular metanotum and long third tergum, this is clearly Chrysura refulgens !

Hi again Thibault. Thank you very much for responding. That’s great to have such a comprehensive reply, and another named species! I read now that refulgens is almost the largest chrysidid in Europe, I was struck by its large size. I should try and get some better images. Thanks again.