Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Metoecus paradoxus, Rhipiphoridae
Posted by JariF on 15-09-2009 17:25
#1
Hi,
this was in my malaise today. Anyone knows what might be the family ? Looks a bit strange with shield open. September 15.2009 Helsinki, Finland.
Jari
Edited by JariF on 15-09-2009 20:09
Posted by John Bratton on 15-09-2009 17:47
#2
Metoecus paradoxus, lives in wasp (Vespa) nests.
John
Posted by pwalter on 15-09-2009 18:15
#3
WOW!!! I really want to see one. In Hungary they're protected sp.
Posted by John Bratton on 15-09-2009 18:26
#4
Its a pity they are not protected in this country. I've only seen them once. I was walking along a river bank in England. Some people having a picnic had noticed they were near a wasps' nest and rather than move away, they poured boiling water down the hole. About a dozen Metoecus had crawled out. Though I don't suppose legal protection would have helped them much in this instance.
John
Posted by libor on 15-09-2009 19:02
#5
This species develops in subterraneous nests of wasps of the genus Vespula. Dig out man nests during summer and you can find more Metoecus, pwalter :-) Libor
Posted by JariF on 15-09-2009 20:08
#6
Thank's everybody. This is really something I haven't seen before :)
Jari