HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Parasitica > Ichneumonidae > Ophioninae

This is another featured species on the NHM identification guide to British ichneumonids, described as a large (15-22mm) slim, orange-bodied wasp, which can be easily identified by its distinctive cream stripes together with the characteristic wing venation associated with the subfamily. It could be confused with other sickle wasps, but these mostly lack the pale body stripes. It is a nocturnal species that is attracted to light and, unlike other Ophion species, flies through the cold winter months.

The current 'Checklist of Ichneumonidae' recognises 27 species of Ophioninae of which 16 are in the Ophion genus. It's quite a few years old now and, almost certainly, needs updating. And, in view of the comments on the next page, this is one species that would be affected or, to be more specific, broken down into various named forms.

When the specimen featured below was identified, there really wasn't any question that it was anything other than Ophion obscuratus and, even now, a few years on, there shouldn't really be any doubt, particularly as it was photographed in January during its known flight period. But personally, I'm not so sure now given the latest information relating to the number of flagellar segments - next page. If, the expected number is 62-66, then this individual is clearly missing a few!