Small World Discoveries

HYMENOPTERA > SYMPHYTA > Argidae > Arginae

One of four superficially similar Arge species with an orange abdomen, readily distinguished from the others by the large dark smudge below the stigma that effectively forms a black band that extends right across the wing. Basal to the band the wing is yellowish, and beyond (apical) it is grey. The hind legs are usually yellowy-orange with black apices to the femur, tibia and tarsus, although variable such that the femurs can be entirely black.

Arge cyanocrocea is regarded as a common, relatively widespread species across central and southern Britain where it can be seen from May to July around hedgerows and foraging on umbellifers such as hogweed. The caterpillar-like larvae feed on the foliage of brambles.