Perilampus auratus

(Panzer, 1798)

Perilampus auratus is a minute parasitic in the (: ), measuring 1.3–5.5 millimeters in length. The exhibits brilliant metallic coloration typical of the . As a member of Perilampidae, it is a , with that parasitize other parasitic . New country records have been documented in Romania and Turkey, expanding its known Palaearctic distribution.

Perilampus auratus by (c) Toby, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Toby. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Perilampus auratus: /ˌpɛrɪˈlæmpəs ɔːˈreɪtəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from similar small metallic , particularly (), by the triangular with sharp corners—cuckoo wasps have oval or rounded abdomens. The short, strongly also aid recognition. Identification to level requires examination of specific morphological characters detailed in taxonomic .

Images

Appearance

Small, compact with brilliant metallic green, , or gold coloration typical of many . Body length ranges 1.3–5.5 mm. short and strongly elbowed. triangular or inverted pyramid-shaped, with distinct corners (not rounded).

Distribution

Europe (Palaearctic region); recorded from Germany, Italy, Sweden, Romania (new record), and Turkey (new record).

Life Cycle

As a , likely exhibits the -characteristic hyperparasitic : females on vegetation or other surfaces; hatch and attach to moving ; larvae penetrate secondary host to locate host; development completes as external of primary host . Specific details for P. auratus unconfirmed.

Ecological Role

— parasitize other parasitic , potentially regulating of such as , ichneumon , or wasps.

Similar Taxa

Chrysididae (cuckoo wasps)Similar small size and metallic coloration; distinguished by rounded or oval lacking sharp corners, and different structure.
Other Perilampus speciesRequire detailed morphological examination; European can be separated using diagnostic based on specific structural characters.

More Details

Taxonomic status

validity confirmed; new faunistic records published in 2022 expanded known distribution to Romania and Turkey.

Research needs

associations and complete details remain undocumented for this specifically; inferred from -level studies.