Torymus rubi

This wasp was previously referred to as Torymus macropterus and is a parasite of the Brammble (Rubus spp.)gall wasp Diastrophus rubi although it has been recorded exiting bedeguar galls on numerous occasions and in many countries in Europe. It has also been recorded as a parasitoid of Orthopelma mediator and Periclistus brandtii (Nordlander 1973).

The emergance dates for T. rubi in the Britain is from the second week in June through to the beginning of july. Nordlander recorded that the emergance of T. rubi from galls kept indoors, preceeded the emergance of T. bedeguaris by two weeks.

The female measures 1.8mm-4mm, averaging at 3.2mm in length, excluding the ovipositor
The wasp has a brilliant metallic green body with the mesepimeron being all copper in colour. The legs are translucent yellow with 5 tarsal segments. The coxae are green with at least the lowest part being yellow and the hind coxae being at least twice the length of the middle coxae. The wings are clear with the stigmal vien shorter than the post stigmal vein. The antennae are dark brassy or black with 7 funicular segments. The ovipositor sheaths are longish (mid length compared to other torymids) at about 70% of body length.

The male measures 1.8-2.9mm averaging at about 2.3mm
The wasp has a brilliant metallic green head and thorax with the mesepimeron being all copper in colour. The gaster (abdomen) is green and sometimes slightly tinted with bronze at the rear. The legs are translucent yellow with 5 tarsal segments. The coxae are green with at least the lowest part being yellow and the hind coxae being at least twice the length of the middle coxae. The wings are clear with the stigmal vien shorter than the post stigmal vein. The antennae are dark brass tinted with 7 funicular segments.

More detailed descriptions and identification keys are available from Robin Williams at the British Plant Gall Society.

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