Nippocryptus vittatorius (Jurine, 1807)

Verheyde, Fons, Hoekstra, Paul, Libert, Pierre-Nicolas, Meijer, Hilco, Ketelaere, Augustijn De, Vandaudenard, Thibaud, Belgers, Dick & Brosens, Edwin, 1880, Two hundred and five ichneumonid wasps reported for the first time in Belgium and the Netherlands (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), Belgian Journal of Entomology 122, pp. 1-142 : 63

Nippocryptus vittatorius (Jurine, 1807) (Fig. 29)

Taxonomically the position of the genus is still unclear. Usually it is distinguished from Cryptus by the shape of the spiracles on the propodeum (circular or very slightly oval), but genetic research must confirm its hypothetical paraphyletic position ( SCHWARZ, 2015).

N. vittatorius can be recognised very easily. It is the only species in the genus with the hind tibia white basally and with a unique dark band on the fore wing ( SCHWARZ, 1990; see Fig. 29). Our findings allow us to say something on the phenology and ecology of the species. This ichneumonid wasp appears to have a relatively long flying period, peaking in autumn (June- October). Several specimens were caught with light traps, suggesting nocturnal activity. Many animals were observed on tree stumps, searching for hosts, with one certain record of a female parasitizing Taleporia tubulosa (Retzius, 1783) ( Lepidoptera : Psychidae ) (Fig. 29).

First report for Belgium and the Netherlands.

MATERIAL EXAMINED:

BELGIUM: • 1 ♀; Evere , Moeraske (BR); 50°52’44”N 4°23’29”E; 18/vii/2010; B. Hanssens leg.; field observation; J. Devalez & J. D’Haeseleer det. (ObsID: 49047354) . • 1 ♀; Melle (OVL); 50°58’59”N 3°49’27”E; 16/x/2014; K. Maes leg.; field observation; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 89489835) . • 1 ♀; Lotenhulle , Ganzeveld (OVL); 51°03’59”N 3°28’10”E; 4/x/2015; H. Wallays leg.; field observation, parasitizing Taleporia tubulosa (Retzius, 1783) ; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 109165073); Fig. 29 . • 1 ♀; Gent , Moscou (OVL); 51°01’46”N 3°46’01”E; 5/vi/2017; C. Grandsart leg.; field observation; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 177524444) . • 1 ♀; Dudzele (WVL); 51°16’17”N 3°13’22”E; 25/vii/2018; H. De Blauwe leg.; light trap; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 160867782) […] .

THE NETHERLANDS: • 1 ♀; Eindhoven , Stratumse Heide (NB); 51°24’30”N 5°30’17”E; 13/x/2016; R. Aussems leg.; field observation; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 125110197) . • 1 ♀; Arnhem (GE); 51°59’37”N 5°52’21”E; 14/x/2018; A. Boorsma leg.; field observation; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 163576300) . • 1 ♀; Susteren (LIN); 51°04’09”N 5°52’42”E; 31/viii/2019; H.J. M.. van Buggenum leg.; light trap; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 178902608) . • 1 ♀; Thorn (LIN); 51°09’38”N 5°50’02”E; 31/vii/2020; H. Mertens leg.; field observation; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 198296753) . • 1 ♀; Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, Hitlandbos (ZH); 51°57’44”N 4°37’40”E; 7/viii/2020; W. Teunissen leg.; field observation; F. Verheyde det. (ObsID: 197973807) .