Macquartia tenebricosa

Macquartia tenebricosa

Description

6-9mm. Dark green/bronze abdomen and thorax, with a pale collar on the thorax behind the head. Larvae of Macquartia tenebricosa are endoparasities of Chrysolina beetles.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • arista with very short pubescence
  • eyes hairy
  • abdomen shiny green/bronze with no grey patches
  • parafacial bristles only extend down to the top of the antennae
  • lower calypter runs along edge of scutellum
  • scutellum with three pairs of marginal bristles
  • legs all dark
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.

Habitat

Meadows and hedgerows.

When to see it

April - October

UK Status

Common and widespread, particularly in England and Wales with few records in Scotland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records