Mason Wasp Satellite Fly

Amobia signata

Description

Body length 4.5 to 9mm. Pale grey with three dark stripes on the thorax and three dark tear-drop shaped spots on tergites 3 and 4. The head has a very rounded shape and the antennal insertion points are roughly level with the half-way point of the eyes.

Habitat

It is a parasite of several species of wasp, particularly mason wasps such as Ancistrocerus and Ectemnius species.

Status and distribution

Fairly frequent in southern Britain and the Midlands but absent from Scotland. Fairly frequent in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to October.