Habronyx minutus facts for kids

Habronyx minutus is a tiny wasp that acts as a parasite. It belongs to a group of wasps called Ichneumonidae. This wasp is quite small, usually between 5.5 and 8 millimeters long. A scientist named D. F. Ward first described this species in 2015. The first official sample of this wasp was found in December 1980 at a place called Pelorus Bridge in New Zealand.

What it Looks Like

This small wasp, Habronyx minutus, is usually between 5.5 and 8 millimeters long. Its front wings are about 3.8 to 5.8 millimeters long.

Antennae and Mouth

Male wasps have 30 to 31 parts on their antennae. Female wasps have a few less, between 26 and 30 parts. These parts, and the base of the antennae, are brown. This wasp has a small tooth at the tip of its face, and its jaws are also shaped like teeth.

Body and Legs

The front legs of Habronyx minutus are yellow. Its back legs are a reddish-brown color. The middle part of its body and its back shield are also reddish-brown. The wasp's body and head are covered in short, stiff hairs called setae. It also has short claws on its feet.

Color Variations

The color of these wasps can be a bit different from one to another. Some are more reddish-brown and have more black marks. Others are more yellow. The face of Habronyx minutus can be anywhere from reddish-brown to a light yellow.

About its Name and Discovery

Habronyx is the biggest group of wasps in the Anomaloninae family. It includes 44 different types of wasps.

How it was Discovered

The very first Habronyx minutus wasp used for its description was an adult female. It was found on December 13, 1980. This discovery happened at Pelorus Bridge in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand. This bridge crosses the Pelorus River.

Naming the Species

Ten other wasps were also used to help describe Habronyx minutus. Six of these were males, three were females, and one was not recorded. D. F. Ward officially described this new species on January 8, 2015. The name minutus comes from Latin and means "small." This name was chosen because of the wasp's tiny size.

Where it Lives

This special wasp can only be found in New Zealand. It lives on both the North Island and the South Island.