Ropalidia fasciata

looks like it could be this.

@mustafamalik thank you. Based on the key (16) and figures in Kojima et (2007), I believe the first metasomal segment to be too long for the R. variegata species group (R. variegata and R. jaconsoni). Figs. 48 and 49 show the lateral view of the first metasomal segment of R. variegata and R. jaconsoni, respectively, and Fig. 50 for R. fasciata. The shape of the propodeal valvula is also a key feature but unfortunately not seen clearly in my photos. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7163502/

Ahh, yeah, I see the similarity of the 1st metasomal segment from the paper. I guess the mesepisternal mark isn't as reliable as I thought it was either.

Thanks for the lesson!

@ponerinecat I realise it was over two years ago but please would you explain why you removed your ID. I am learning more about this genus and, as with all things, the more you learn, the more doubts creep in. This has now returned to "Research Grade", so I want to make sure it is right.

I was convinced. 😅 I guess my self doubt ran stronger in this instance. But the metasomal segment does seem to not be much like R. jacobsoni based off the figures from the paper. While R. fasciata does seem more similar.

@geechartier It's not a group I'm familiar with, so I shouldn't have any say in the matter. I really don't remember why I decided to interfere with something I have little knowledge on.