Maple Swordtail Xiphydria longicollis
Another vernacular name that has been attributed to this species is Dark-legged Wood Wasp. A recent arrival in the UK, first recorded in 1984, so not covered in the old RES Handbook.
These two were found during the daytime landing on the trunk of a large Sycamore tree. One was almost twice the length of the other but in fact both were just within the stated size range (10-21mm) for the species. This is the smaller individual. The relative lengths of the hind tarsal segments did not marry up with the description for this species but the relative antennal lengths did, and as far as I can tell the leg colour/pattern is also indicative of this species.
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (A) (1).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (A) (2).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (A) (3).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (A) (5).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (A) (6).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (A) (7).jpg)
female Maple Swordtail Pamphilius sylvaticus showing hind tibial spur, hind tibia and antenna, Wendling Beck Project (Norfolk, UK), 25th July 2026
This is the larger individual. The hind tarsal segments did fit the description on this individual.
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (B) (1).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (B) (2).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (B) (3).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (B) (4).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (B) (5).jpg)
, The Belts, 25-Jul-26 (AB).jpg)
second female Maple Swordtail Pamphilius sylvaticus showing antenna and with the first individual in the last photo, Wendling Beck Project (Norfolk, UK), 25th July 2026