Ichneumon

Ichneumon stramentor

Description

Body length 13 to 18mm. The male is mostly black with the second and third abdominal segments yellow. The legs are black and yellow and the scutellum is yellow. The female is similar but has a yellow tip to the abdomen and white bands on the antennae.

Habitat

Hedgerows and woodland edge, scrubby areas. The females seek out the caterpillars of Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Characters to parasitise.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to July.