Ichneumon
Pimpla rufipes
Description
Body length 10 - 15mm. A black ichneumon with bright orange legs. The female's ovipositor is short and thick. Apechthis compunctor is very similar but the ovipositor has a downward curve at the end. Males are indistinguishable from each other from photographs.
Habitat
Woodland edge and hedgerows where they feed from flowers. They lay their eggs in the caterpillars of Large White butterflies and Gypsy Moths, and may attack the chrysalis of some species, such as Comma.
Status and distribution
Common and widespread in southern Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.
Best time to see
June to October.