HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Parasitica > Ichneumonidae > Pimplinae > Pimplini

The updated classification of Ichneumonid Wasps confirms that the Pimplinae subfamily is currently represented in Britain by 111 species in 32 genera separated into four tribes, Delomeristini, Ephialtini, Pimplini and Theronini.

They are a diverse group with some species being elongate, smooth-bodied with a very long ovipositor, while others are more robust, heavily-sculptured with a short ovipositor.

Apechthis compunctor is a variable small to medium-sized (7-15mm), black species with orange legs lacking cream banding on the hind tibia. It's very similar to Pimpla rufipes, except that the female’s ovipositor has a downward curve at the tip. The males are indistinguishable from other Apechthis species without microscopic examination, although they are separable from Pimpla males as they have yellow faces whereas Pimpla males are black.

Updated, March 25 (v.2)