Chalcid wasp ovipositing.

A surprise find yesterday on a bush oak. Small chalcid wasps ovipositing in the leaf blisters caused by a leaf miner. I've seen this wasp before I think in mating bundles on columbine flowers. The wasp was ovipositing many times on the same leaf and very quickly so I guess it was trying to locate the grub/pupa. Also a surprise that the ovipositor came from the top of the abdomen rather than the bottom. Wasp about 3.3mm body length

Brian V

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Great set of shots

Excellent series of shots showing this aspect of insect behaviour. I also like the last one - lining up two sets of eyes is difficult enough but lining up three requires both skill and patience.

WOW! Did I mention, WOW! Just an outstanding series of photographs, Brian!

Stunning set Brian.

great sequence brian.

Bloody marvellous.

wonderful series....

Great series.

Brian...you are the best! Those are absolutely awesome!
Do you find all of these bugs just around your place.
I don't think we have near the variety here locally. Guess I'll have to travel...darn!

Thanks all for the kind comments- appreciated
Billy - yes taken either in my garden or the neighbour's garden.
Brian v.

Billy remember that Worthing does not so much have a microclimate as a macroclimate

Fantastic series of shots Brian. Really lovely detail.

Lovely find, great series Brian, last one looks stunning
!

Nice shots. Very interesting behavior, and such a tiny wasp.