1. DISTRIBUTION

Episyron rufipes is a common wasp throughout the Netherlands ^[2].

2. BEHAVIOUR

2.1. ACTIVITY

The species is active from May to September ^[2,3].

2.2. DEVELOPMENT

The species produces two generations per year. Nests are made in the ground ^[2].
Prey consist of spiders of the genus Orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) ^[2] gebruikt.

3. IDENTIFICATION

A midsized wasp: length male 6-9 mm, female 8-13 mm ^[2].

The characteristics of the genus Episyron are ^[2]:

1. Edge hindleg with crown of thorns of unequal size and unequal spacing between them

2. 2^nd discoidal cel on frontwing with protrusion on proximal side

3. Inner eye edges bottom half diverge slightly

Characteristics of the species are ^[4]:

Males

1. Pterostigma narrow

2. Temple narrower than half the width of the eye, seen from aside

3. Pubescense and scales silver colored

Females

1. Inneredge eye with yellow spot or stripe

2. Antennal segment 3 is 4,5 times long as wide

3. Sides tergites 3 and 4 often with white spots ^[2]

4. Clypeus, head covered with silver pubescense

5. First tarsal member leg 1 usually with 4 teeth

6. Legs 2 and 3 red, leg 1 usually darker

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References

¹ Nederlands Soortenregister

² Peeters, T.M.J., C. van Achterberg, W.R.B. Heitmans, W.F. Klein, V. Lefeber, A.J. van Loon, A.A. Mabelis, H. Nieuwen-huijsen, M. Reemer, J. de Rond, J. Smit, H.H.W. Velthuis, 2004. De wespen en mieren van Nederland (Hymenoptera: Aculeata). – Nederlandse Fauna 6. Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, Leiden, knnv Uitgeverij, Utrecht & European Invertebrate Survey – Nederland, Leiden.

³ Waarneming.nl