Mesopolobus

Description

Asymmetric mandibles, right mandible has 4 acute teeth, left mandible has only 3 teeth. The antennae are inserted relatively low on the face (near the lower margin of the eyes). The anterior margin of the clypeus is shallowly notched in the centre, without a large single median tooth.

At least 34 UK species, very difficult to identify.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and submit photos of key features. 

When to see it

All year. 

Life History

Mesopolobus species have been reared from hosts spanning five different insect orders: Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera.

Fertilized adult females find shelter during the winter months inside dense, evergreen conifer foliage. They emerge early in the spring, synchronized with the lifecycle of host populations.

UK Status

Widespread.

Leicestershire & Rutland Status

Unknown.

Further Information

Graham, MWR de V. (1969) The pteromalidae of north-western Europe (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Bull. Br. Mus. nat. Hist. (Ent.) Suppl. 16. 

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - hymenopteran
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Pteromalidae
Records on NatureSpot:
3
First record:
10/03/2026 (Cann, Alan)
Last record:
11/05/2026 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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