Microterys tricoloricornis

Description:

A rather gorgeous 2.5mm long female Microterys tricoloricornis parasitoid wasp of the Encyrtidae family found in the bay tree, most likely a parasitoid of soft scale Coccus hesperidum. Note length against 1mm scale bar showing it to be conspicuously larger than M.seyon, and also note antennal segments F4-F6 are completely white. This is the third species of Microterys found in the garden, and this is a significant find. Was asked to keep an eye out for this species, and here it is.