Orange-legged Darwin Wasp

Pimpla rufipes

Many subspecies occur in Britain & all are very similar.

This species flies in Autumn.

Also known as Black Slip Wasp.

These Wasps are generally black with bright orange legs.

The hind legs are larger than the other pairs.

The ovipositor is straight, quite short and thick, however the Male Pimpla rufipes does not have an ovipositor.

These Wasps are often mistaken for Apechthis compunctor due to having similar size, and the Males of both of the species are indistinguishable from photographs.

The main key difference between these two species is the ovipositor: Pimpla rufipes emales have a straight ovipositor while

Apechthis compunctor Females have curved ovipositors.