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.