Chrysis ignita

Length approx 12 mm. This is a brightly coloured wasp with a metallic red abdomen and bright green head and thorax.

Chrysis ignita cannot be separated from other Chrysis species without expert examination of the specimen.

Heathland and gardens. These wasps are often noticed searching over hot sun-baked surfaces such as old walls or fence posts.

April to September.

Parasitoid. The larvae eat the grubs of burrow-dwelling solitary bees. Prey: Red Mason Bee. Adults feed on nectar and pollen.

This wasp is a widespread and fairly common species in all areas where there is a suitable host, although most British records seem to come from England.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.