Females of this species are readily confused with Priocnemis pusillus, P. cordivalvata and P. gracilis, although the males are readily distinguishable. Keys to species and general biology are given in Richards & Hamm (1939), Wolf (1972), Day (1988) and Falk (1991).

Distinguished from other Chrysis species in having four distinct acute teeth on the posterior margin of the third gastral tergum, and the first gastral tergite is blue-black. Identification keys are given in Morgan (1984). Information concerning general biology is given by Kunz (1994).

A medium sized, long-cheeked social wasp which is the most common species of the genus Dolichovespula in Britain.

An Holartic species, although probably introduced to North America. It is widely distributed in Europe, but scarcer in the north (Lomholdt 1975-76). A key to European species groups of the genus Passaloecus is given by Merisuo (1974).

Previously known as Hedychrum nobile, a misidentification, and H. aureicolle Mocsary. Identification keys and general biology are given in Morgan (1984), Falk (1991) and Kunz (1994).

A very similar species - Hedychrum nobile - was recently discovered in Britain. The separation of H. niemelai and H. nobile is described in this paper

One of our most frequently encountered red and black spider-hunting wasps, perhaps because it spends a lot of time searching open sunny ground for nesting host species.

Previously known as H. intermedium, a misidentification. Identification keys and general biology are given in Morgan (1984), Falk (1991) and Kunz (1994).

This species was previously known as E. tuberculata (F.).