Description

Body length 5 to 8mm. A black wasp with cream markings on the tergites and orange/brown legs.

Habitat

Found near patches of dry, sandy soils where it makes its nest of cells. Feeds on nectar from umbellifers and thistles and provisions larval cells with mostly dipterous insects.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in southern Britain, but becomes rare further north. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to September.