New wasp species discovered in Gribskov National Park

A new species of parasitic wasp, measuring only 2.5 millimeters, has been recorded in Denmark for the first time. The insect, scientifically named Hemiptarsenus ornatus and given the Danish name ‘smykket dværgsnyltehveps’, was discovered in Gribskov National Park during a ‘bioblitz’ event.

The discovery was made by nature communicator Lars Holm Hansen, who used an insect suction tool to collect specimens from ferns for closer examination. The species was identified with the help of experts via the platform Arter.dk.

While this is the first official registration in Denmark, experts from the Natural History Museum of Denmark suggest the wasp has likely been present in the country for some time. The species is already known to exist in neighboring countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Norway, but its minute size makes it difficult to detect without specialized equipment or intensive field research.