Long-tailed Gasteruption Wasp

Gasteruption jaculator belongs to Gasteruptiidae in Hymenoptera. Linnaeus first described it as Ichneumon jaculator in 1758. [1][3]

Females have a distinct ivory or white band at the end of the ovipositor sheath. The sheath is approximately 1.0–1.2 times body length. The hind tibia is swollen, with pale subbasal markings on both the tibia and first tarsal segment; males lack the long female sheath. [1]

The species occurs in Europe, North Africa, Iran and Turkey. [1]

Within Gasteruption, larval development takes place in the nest of a solitary bee or wasp. Larvae consume host brood and, in several species, stored provisions; the precise placement of the egg and the subsequent feeding sequence differ among species. [2]

The species is recorded as a predator-inquiline of colletine bees, including Colletes and Hylaeus. An adult female has been observed feeding at flowers. [1][2]

Female Gasteruption investigate potential host nests by hovering and antennating at the entrance. The ovipositor is inserted into the nest, and sealed nest material can be pierced without a drilling motion. [2]

A flat head surface immediately before the occipital ridge, together with antennal characters, helps distinguish G. jaculator from similar species. [1]

The 2014 revision designated a female lectotype in the Linnean Society collection, London, probably originating near Uppsala, Sweden. [1]