Clistopyga incitator

Clistopyga incitator is an predominatly black Pimpline ichneumon wasp of the tribe Ephialtini. Thorax and propodeum is often marked in yellow although dark forms are also observed. The abdomen is black and the legs are dark redish brown with hind tibia having some whitish banding centrally. The main identification characteristic in females is a relatively long, slender and upcurved ovipositor, in males a groove behind the malar space is bounded by a high ridge.  

Other Pimpline Ichneumon wasps

• Females have slender upcurved ovipositor
• Males have groove behind malar space bounded by high ridge
• Orbits entirely cream
• Antennae 24 - 32 segments 

Identification advice should be sought from British Ichneumonoidea Facebook

We recommend that records of this species are verified by an expert before submitting to NatureSpot

Wide range of habitats from woodlands, scrubland, fields and hedgerows to parks and gardens.

Flight period May to October

Bivoltine with peaks in June and again in August - September 

Bivoltine with females laying eggs in spider egg sacks concealed in cracks, crevices and holes in walls and wood

Fairly common and widespread