Chrysis impressa

This is a very handsome species with a ruby red body and blue green thorax and head, the whole having a rather metallic lustre. There are several very similar species and great care is needed when identifying these wasps.

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

Various habitats in search of the nests of its prey species.

May to August or September.

Lays its eggs in the nests of solitary bees. The ruby-tailed wasp grubs then eat the bee larvae.

Widespread in England and Wales.

Unknown - few records for Leicestershire and Rutland.