Chrysis.net Forum

This Chrysura species from the eastern Algarve, Portugal is about 6.5 mm long. From above it appears all purple-red apart from the propodeum which is blue-green. The side of the thorax has an attractive pattern and the face is purple above but green below with a distinct, curving dividing line. It seems to be a parasite of a ground-nesting Hoplitis species (identity to be confirmed).

Hi Ian,

female of Chrysura purpureifrons (Abeille de Perrin).
Please let us know the Hoplitis host, this information is very useful.

Thanks
Paolo

Thanks very much Paolo. I'll let you know when I get an ID on the Hoplitis. The Chrysura was definitely investigating holes in level, hard, sparsely-vegetated clay in species-rich coastal clay grassland. Does that conform to its usual habitat?

Best Wishes
Ian

Hi Ian,

yes, it is