Description

Body length 10 - 18mm, with the females having a very long ovipositor. Mainly black with a broad red band on the abdomen. The hind tibiae are swollen and the hind tarsi have a white band, as does the tip of the ovipositor.

Habitat

The adults can be found feeding on nectar from flowers or around solitary bees' nests. The very long ovipositor is used to place an egg inside the brood chamber of a solitary bee, where the larva feeds on the stored food.

Status and distribution

Fairly widespread in southern Britain but thinly recorded. Occasionally recorded in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to September.