ruby tailed wasp

[shelllee243]

spotted a ruby tailed wasp checking out holes in wall today in stevenage herts. are they common in this part of the country? I have never seen one before.

[Schmoo]

Hi

It could be an Ichneumon wasp (think thats how it's spelt), was it quite skinny?

There are loads of different types and different colours living in Britain.

They are parasitic wasps which lay eggs in other insects like beetles etc. (Quite horrible really ) I dont think they really do much harm though, although someone told me they can sting!

Hope that was helpful

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by shelllee243

are they common in this part of the country?

Yes, I think they are quite common (that's a few different species commonly called ruby-tailed wasps).

I tend to notice them when they're prospecting or sunbathing on fence posts - they're quite elusive considering their colouring!

[shelllee243]

yes it was skinny. thanks for the info

[eucera]

There are a number of "ruby-tails" in UK (about 33 on the UK list - depending on where you draw the species boundaries). A number in the genus Chrysis are likely candidates for inspecting wooden posts or sunning themselves.

Several different species are illustrated on BWARS Home Page Gallery