Description

Over all length 8 to 12.5mm. The male has a striking metallic blue pattern on its wings. The body is mostly black with some ginger hairs along the side of the thorax and a variable amount along the sides of the abdomen and a pale scutellum. The female is plainer with some ginger on the sides of the thorax and smokey or clear wings.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows and meadows. The larvae are internal parasites of shieldbugs, while the adults feed on nectar.

Status and distribution

Widespread but local in Britain, with a strong southern bias. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to September.