A cheeky Ichneumon bucculentus - new for Sussex?

Alex Worsley 

Senior Ecologist

The Ichneumon wasps are an under-recorded group, despite being extremely striking insects. They are notoriously difficult to identify, with many species sexually dimorphic and a great number only reliably separated on characteristics that are difficult to observe, even in some of the larger species. Despite this, some species can be identified with relative ease, but resources are sparse and often reliant on work produced independently through unofficial channels by enthusiastic entomologists. They are also known for their behaviour as parasitoids. With many species in this group, eggs are laid directly inside their host (the female ovipositor injecting eggs within the living host) where they proceed to feed on the innards before bursting out Xenomorph style. Without Lieutenant Ripley to save them, this obviously kills the host.

In early August, an ichneumonid was found foraging on Hogweed at Marline Valley nature reserve, just outside Hastings. This was identified as Ichneumon bucculentus, which has been given the common name of “Chubby-cheeked Ichneumon”(!) - bucca meaning “cheek” and ulentus meaning “full of”. So bucculentus = full of cheek (sounds like my son). This appears to be a Sussex first record for the species. This is likely due to the group being under-recorded, but this particular species is also noted as being ‘uncommon’ in Malcolm Storey’s ‘The Ichneumon Files’, an incredible resource for identifying these fascinating insects.

A special thanks to Bob Foreman at the SxBRC for checking the records held for Ichneumon within Sussex. Also many thanks to Malcolm Storey, both for the huge amount of work he has put in to provide resources for identifying these insects, and for confirming my determination of this species.