Ephialtes manifestator

Ephialtes manifestator

Description

An entirely black species with orange legs.  The female has an extremely long ovipositor (up to 6 cm) for probing the nest of solitary bees and wasps, together with the wide, pale brown clypeus on the lower face. Males are not as conspicuous, but can be recognised among many similar, mostly black ichneumonids by a fringe of long, curved hairs along the leading edge of the forewing, together with a wide, pale brown clypeus. 

Similar Species

Can be confused with species of Dolichomitus and various Pimplinae.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

Hedgerows and woodland areas.

When to see it

Flight period May to September.

Life History

Hosts are the pupae of solitary bees and wasps. Often reared from bee hotels.

UK Status

True status is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but seems to be widespread in the southern half of Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records