Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 4-9mm (females larger than males)
- Primarily black in colour with yellow legs markings
- Relatively broad body shape
- Square-ish head shape
- Easily confused with other small, black solitary wasps and the use of a microscope and specialist keys is usually required
Habitat
Poorly known in Ireland. Existing records are from areas of woodland, riverbanks and grassland.
Flight period
Univoltine, flying between June-July in Ireland, although it may fly from late May-August here as it does in Britain.
Nesting biology
Unknown in Ireland, but elsewhere nests are constructed solitarily in level, bare soil. The nest tunnel descends vertically for about 10cm, with cells constructed along this section. These cells are stocked with small paralysed Mirid bugs, on which the female will lay an egg. The hatched wasp larvae will consume the paralysed prey before pupating and emerging as adults the following year.
Flowers visited
None known in Ireland, but elsewhere it visits composite flowers such as Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and Mayweeds (Anthemideae).
Similar species
- Other small, black solitary wasps, such as Crossocerus
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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