Lindenius albilabris

A small, slim bodied, black solitary wasp. Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field. All red-rated records should include a photo or set of photos of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’). The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings. The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters. Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future. Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS Facebook Group . If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’. Found in a wide variety of open, sunny habitats associated with its feeding and nesting sites and prey habitats. On the wing from late May to early August. The species nests in level ground in open, sunny situations, usually in small colonies. It prefers sandy soil, but has been recorded nesting in compacted, well trodden paths. Nest cells are stocked with a mixture of small bugs, usually Mirid bugs, and small flies. Up to 20 bugs may be placed in a single cell. Widely recorded from localities throughout England, and reaching into northern Scotland.