Argogorytes fargeii

The scarcer and smaller of our two Argogorytes wasps, but seemingly with a similar biology to A. mystaceus. It is black and yellow banded and care is needed with identification due to similarity with other species.

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 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065021433202 .  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’.

Occurs in a variety of open habitats on light soils, including heaths, quarries and gravel pits, river corridors featuring clay or sandy river banks, fixed coastal dunes and soft rock cliffs.

Univoltine; late May to early August.

It requires features such as vertical earth banks or sparsely vegetated dry ground for nesting, in combination with areas of tall grass or herbs for hunting. This wasp preys on frog-hopper nymphs.

Recorded sparingly within England as far north as South-east Yorkshire it is regarded as nationally scarce.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland no known.