Macrophya annulata
A black species normally with the abdomen girdled with red, although all black specimens occasionally occur. Although black, the front legs may be frosted white on the front face in certain light. This species is an effective spider-hunting wasp mimic both in appearance and behaviour and can often been found running around at ground level.
Larvae feed on creeping cinquefoil.
Size: 10 - 12.5mm
Status: common
Distribution: England, Wales
Flight period: May to July
Plant associations: Potentilla reptans (creeping cinquefoil)
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- Macrophya annulata female
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- Macrophya annulata female
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- Macrophya annulata female
References:
Benson, R.B., 1952. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects. Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Vol 6, Section 2(a-c), Royal Entomological Society, London
Liston A, Knight G, Sheppard D, Broad G, Livermore L (2014) Checklist of British and Irish Hymenoptera - Sawflies, ‘Symphyta’. Biodiversity Data Journal 2: e1168. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.2.e1168