Pimpla insignatoria

Pimpla insignatoria

Description

The body is entirely shiny black, including a solid black face with no white or yellow markings; legs are predominantly bright orange. Females have a thick, prominent, and completely straight ovipositor projecting from the rear. It lacks the downward-curved tip seen in lookalike genera like Apechthis. Males of the Pimpla genus are incredibly difficult to distinguish from one another without microscopic examination of the genitalia.

Similar Species

Easily confused with the highly common Pimpla rufipes. To tell them apart under magnification, look at the color bands on the hind tibia and the precise placement of the tiny breathing pores (spiracles) on the abdomen.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Life History

Idiobiont endoparasitoid targeting the pupae (chrysalises) of moths and butterflies.

UK Status

Widespread.

VC55 Status

Unknown.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured squares = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records