Description

Body length 5 to 8 mm. A small black wasp with variable amounts of yellow on the legs. The male has a yellow transverse line at the front of the thorax, but the female does not.

Habitat

Any sunny areas where their prey, small plant bugs and flies, can be found and where the soil is friable so that the females can dig their nest chambers. Often nests in small colonies. The adults visit Ox-eye Daisies and Hogweed.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in the southern half of Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to August.