Can you identify this insect in my hive?

[tlynn]

(Note - ID'ed by entomologist.  His response below.  Very interesting!)

I have this small insect showing up inside and around my hives, actually I haven't seen them inside my strong hive, just inside the nuc hive, which is weak and coming back from near collapse.  I found a few of them today crawling around empty cells in the nuc frames and flying around and landing on the sides of the nuc.  They are very small, maybe just a few millimeters long.  I'd say I saw 6 or 8 of them inside and outside.  The picture resolution is 10 megapixels, so you can magnify quite a bit if it helps.  Any idea what they are???

http://www.purplemangomedia.com/IMG_0715.JPG
http://www.purplemangomedia.com/IMG_0716.JPG
http://www.purplemangomedia.com/IMG_0717.JPG
http://www.purplemangomedia.com/IMG_0718.JPG

Thanks!

Tracy

[fermentedhiker]

not sure what species exactly but looks like a small predatory wasp.  Probably just hunting for small insects within the hive.  I suppose it's possible that they are feasting on brood or eggs but I don't know.  You might check whatsthatbug and see if you see a match.

[tillie]

Well, I'd say an earwig, except the ones in my hive don't have wings :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\

Linda T in Atlanta

[johnnybigfish]

Except for the horns, it looks like a queen ant, but I'm sure its not...good pic tho, as I can zoom it really well and look hard at it!

your friend,
john

[MrILoveTheAnts]

How long have your hives been unpainted for?

[tlynn]

How long have your hives been unpainted for?

I just bought 2 nucs in December, getting the premium grade pine from Brushy Mtn, and they looked so nice when I put them together I decided to varnish them.  4 coats spar.  We'll see how they hold up.

[MrILoveTheAnts]

It looks like a wasp or sawfly. They feed on sweets, and reproduce by laying eggs in the larval for to other bugs (Not Honey Bees). They're usually specialized in what they use as a host.

I asked about the wood because some specialize in wood boring grubs while still in the tree or dead wood.

It could also be a Gall Wasp of some sort.

At any rate I think they're just taking advantage of some pollen laying around.

[tlynn]

Hmm...ok thanks.  I'm also going to email the state bee entomologist and will post his response.

[Brian D. Bray]

I would have to say it is some type of sweat bee or wasp.

[JP]

It looks like a type of ensign wasp to me http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-02_ensign_wasp.htm

They often are parasitic on roach egg cases. See many roaches around that hive?


...JP

[tlynn]

It looks like a type of ensign wasp to me http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-02_ensign_wasp.htm

They often are parasitic on roach egg cases. See many roaches around that hive?


...JP

JP, I think that's it.  It doesn't look like the same species as the picture, but same genus for sure.  Haven't seen any roaches except for the ground roaches that run out when you are watering a plant, not the inside ones.  If they predate roach eggs then I'm all for it.  Just wondering why they are in the hive.

[tlynn]

Here's what it is - looks like I WANT them around!


Tracy,
 
Thanks for the email. First off, great pictures. Second, it is a wasp. It is a wasp from the parasitic wasp family Brachonidae (spelling may be off). This particular species is a parasite of wax moths. It lays its eggs in the wax moths and its larvae feed and grow inside the living moth caterpillar. Once finished feeding, the larvae comes out of the moth and pupates into an adult. So long story short, this is a good thing to have around. It is a "natural" control for the moth. That said, it can never control wax moths completely, but it does put a dent in their populations.
 
Good eyes.
 
Let me know if I can help more in the future.

Jamie
 
Jamie Ellis, PhD
Assistant Professor of Entomology
Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory
Department of Entomology and Nematology
University of Florida
Bldg 970 Natural Area Drive
PO Box 110620
Gainesville, FL 32611-0620
Phone: (352) 392 1901 Ext: 130
Fax: (352) 392 0190
Email: jdellis@ufl.edu
http://www.UFhoneybee.com
http://www.AFBEE.com
 

[ArmucheeBee]

I have had these in my hives too.  This is my first year.  I have tried to get pictures to mail in here but could not do it.  Thanks for asking about this.  These guys are really tiny so great pics.  I did not have wax moths so they must come to the hive smell.  Great job!!!

[Shawn]

I say wasp.

[Cindi]

I thought that this insect at my apiary in the fall of 07 was like a predatory wasp, until some forum friends told me what it really was, an Ichnueman fly.  Here is the thread.  Have a wonderful and awesome day, attract and keep great health.  Cindi

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,11618.0.html

[BjornBee]

Og Geeesshhhhh. Someone will be marketing these before we know it... :roll:

Nice pictures.