Phobocampe confusa
Description
This is a species of ichneumon which lays its eggs in the caterpillars of the Peacock butterfly. The fully grown larvae erupt from the caterpillars and spin a cocoon in which they pupate. The cocoons can be seen suspended from silk threads attached to the remains of the caterpillars and are more often recorded than the adult.
Habitat
Areas of Nettles where Peacock Butterfly caterpillars are found.
When to see it
The larval cocoons can be seen in late June and July.
Life History
See Description
UK Status
UK status not known.
VC55 Status
Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.
Barbara Cooper
Long Clawson
30 June 2015
cocoons of pupating lavae
Barbara Cooper
Long Clawson
30 June 2015
lava emerging from Peacock butterfly caterpillar
Barbara Cooper
Long Clawson
30 June 2015
cocoons of pupating lavae
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015