A unique type of multi-coloured wasp has been spotted in a Norfolk garden.
The colourful insect, a Ruby-tailed wasp, was photographed by Christina Pope in Ludham, who said it looked like a "little jewel".
Roughly 1.1cm long and more commonly seen throughout April to September, the head and thorax is a shiny blue-green colour and the body a metallic ruby-red.
Although fairly widespread, the wasps are difficult to spot due to nesting in walls and rocky outcrops.
Despite the size of its stinger, Ruby-tailed wasps are non-venomous and only use their barbs on bee nests.
Andrew Dellbridge of Ace Pest Control, based in Norwich, said: "This is another amazing part of our environment.
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"It's a solitary wasp that needs what I would call a traditional farm environment or typical grass or heathland.
"They also lay their eggs in with other bees such as masonry bees and then their young basically eat the hosts.
"To help them we need to provide suitable habitats such as conservation areas.
"Also by not treating species such as masonry bees, we offer them a greater chance to succeed."
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