Chrysis viridula

This is a brightly coloured wasp with a metallic sheen.  There are other quite similar species, and care is needed with identification.

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.

Found around the nest sites of its host which are usually in bare vertical banks of hard earth, often of clay or sometimes sand.

Probably univoltine; June to August, sometimes during May and rarely in September.

A parasitoid of the eumenid wasps Odynerus spinipes and Odynerus melanocephalus.  The adult chrysidid oviposits in the cell of its host while the host larva is spinning its cocoon, or just after the cocoon has been completed (the adult is able to open the cocoon to lay its egg). On hatching, the chrysidid larva consumes the host larva.

Widespread throughout southern England and north to North-east Yorkshire. In Wales, mostly confined to coastal areas. This species may be suffering a decline in numbers at present.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland no known.