Tiger Ichneumon Wasp - Ichneumon xanthorius
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Species Description
Appears to be widespread in the Southern half of the UK but status is not known. They predate various butterfly and moth caterpillars (especially seem to like Lesser Yellow Underwing - Noctua comes and other similar-sized species). Habitat includes: Low mixed vegetative areas (usually with umbellifers) in places such as gardens, parks, allotments, churchyards, field margins, scrub, woodland rides and edges, hedgerows, roadside verges, wasteland etc. Flight period: I've recorded Females from April onwards and Males from June onwards and they likely (at least females) survive until the end of the summer and into Autumn. Females may sometimes overwinter.