Caterpillar hunting wasp

Description

Delta dimidiatipenne has a dull reddish head,with black markings which extend from behind the eyes over the top of its head to the back of the neck.The thorax is mainly black,apart for red patches on the second segment and on the upper parts of the third and last segments.A narrow "waist",typical of this type of solitary wasp is created by the fusing together of the thorax and the first segment of the abdomen.The abdomen is mostly black,except for a red band just beyond the waist.The wings are rusty-coloured with grey-brown tips,and may show a purplish tinge.The antennae normally have black tips.The sexes are similar but the male is slightly smaller and slenderer with a yellow face.The male caterpillar hunting wasp is similar in appearance to the female,although it is slightly smaller and more slender,with a yellow face.Females measure 24-27mm,in length,males 22-25mm