Pimpla contemplator

Pimpla contemplator

Description

This is a black bodied wasp.  The front two pairs of legs are red, but the lower part of the hind legs are darker and there is a distinctive white band on the tibia which helps to determine the species. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

We recommend that your record is confirmed by an expert before submitting to NatureSpot

When to see it

Late spring and summer

Life History

The female parasitises lepidoptera pupae, inserting her eggs into the pupa.  The wasp larva will then consume the host from within.

UK Status

This species seems to be quite widespread in England, though not particularly common.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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