Cryptocheilus notatus is the largest species of spider wasps (Pompilidae) to be found in Great Britain reaching up to 18 mm in length.

Cryptocheilus notatus constructs multi-celled nests and they require quite substantial pre-existing cavities, the wasp does very little digging herself.

Prey recorded in Britain includes Drassodes cupreus, a large nocturnal ground spider from the Gnaphosidae.

In Britain, it is only found in the southern heathlands from Kent west to Cornwall, with concentrations in Surrey and Hampshire.

[5] In Europe has been recorded in Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Poland.