Michael Coleman

A Ruby-tailed Wasp (Chrysis ignita agg.), sometimes also known as a Jewel Wasp. They are a 'cuckoo wasp', laying their eggs in the nest of other solitary bees. The larva emerges to eat the host's eggs. They are allegedly common, but I have only seen one twice. They are only 1cm long so easily missed. This one was in the Great Broad Walk borders @kewgardens yesterday. It was a joy to see so many pollinators there, as it should be.

#macro
#insect
#macrophoto
#macrolens
#macrophotography
#insekt
#insecto
#insecte
#feithid
#insetto
#owad
#hmyz
#pryfyn
#biastag
#om1
#wildlifephotography
#gardenwildlife
#wasp
#cuckoowasp
#britishwildlife
#entomology
#buglife
#wildlife
#londonwildlifetrust
#kewgardens
#garden