Charmon

Charmon

Description

Charmon species typically range from dark brown to reddish-orange and black, with wings that are largely clear but heavily veined. The most striking feature of female Charmon wasps is their highly elongated ovipositor which can sometimes be as long as or longer than the entire body. They also have long, multi-segmented antennae and long legs, giving them a spindly appearance.  Forewing with one submarginal cell (two in Macrocentrus). 
Two recognized UK species, Charmon extensor & Charmon cruentatus, but DNA studies suggest these may be species complexes.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Life History

Endoparasitoids of microlepidopteran larvae including Tortricidae and Gelechiidae.

UK Status

Widespread.

VC55 Status

Unknown.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records