Diparidae

HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Parasitica > Chalcidoidea > Diparidae

Not to be confused with the similarly named diapriid wasps from the Diaprioidea > Diapriidae family, the diparids, which were formally classified within the Diparinae subfamily of the Pteromalidae, are now a separately recognised family in their own right.

They are known for having significant sexual dimorphism where the females are mostly wingless (apterous) or short-winged (brachypterous), while the males are typically fully winged. The primary morphological distinguishing characters include antennae with twelve flagellomeres together with a fourth small clavomere, a flexible labrum hidden behind the clypeus, and a metasoma without epipygium, but with a pair of filaments (cercal brushes) on the underside of the final tergite.

Worldwide, the Diparidae family comprises around 120 described species in 11 genera but, as far as I'm aware, Dipara petiolata is the only representative member currently known to occur in Britain. They are tiny wasps that live in leaf-litter where they parasitise weevils.

The female (as featured here) has an orange body with black markings and an elongated, pointed final tergite. The markings consist of a black band and spot on the thorax, a transverse band across the shiny abdomen and a darkened portion at the 'tail' end. The antennae are mostly darkened, although the scape is yellowish. They are completely wingless and, at first glance, somewhat ant-like in appearance. The body length is around 2-3mm.

The winged males are predominately black, but with an orange petiole and orange legs. I believe that both the antennae and wings are hairy, but I have not been able to find a proper description. They seem to be rarely recorded but, if by chance, I manage to find and photograph one at some point I'll amend the details assuming the identity can be verified, but in the meantime I'm happy to be able to feature some reasonable photos of the female.

New family account, May 26 (v.1)