HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Parasitica > Ichneumonidae > Ichneumoninae > Ichneumonini

A featured species on the NHM identification guide to British ichneumonids. Described as one of the many medium to large (15mm) black and yellow banded species. The spine on top of the thorax together with a precise colour pattern on the abdomen in both sexes helps distinguish them from other superficially similar species, particularly those with extra yellow or white spots on the abdomen.

The males of the species are distinctive in having wide yellow stripes on the abdomen with a black stripe between, together with a yellow tip to the abdomen, and broadly black hind femur. The females are similarly distinctive except that the yellow bands on the abdomen are narrower and curved, rather ringed shaped.

Adults are often seen feeding on umbellifer flowers along roadside verges, hedgerows and within clearings.

The species has recently been named the Umbellifer Darwin Wasp (see Ichneumon sarcitorius for further detail).