Ancistrocerus trifasciatus

This mason wasp has brown tarsi and a black face with yellow dot.

There are other very similar species in this genus which means that detailed examination of an actual specimen is generally needed to identify the exact species. A red box around the image indicates that we think it is likely to be this species but can't be 100% certain.

Found in a variety of habitats: parks, gardens, wooded areas.

Summer to autumn.

A tube dweller, nesting in hollow stems where it provisions its larvae with small moth and beetle larvae. It is parasitised by jewel wasps such as Chrysis ignita, etc.

Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.