The larva and puparium of Paragus absidatus are described from specimens collected among aphids on a Gentiana punctata plant located in the Vallée d'Ossau of the French Pyrenees. The early stages of this species are compared with those of the four other European species with early stages described. Characters thought to distinguish Paragus early stages are supported by P. absidatus which, like other Paragus larvae, has the dorsal and lateral margins of the body coated in tapering, fleshy projections and a row of four similar projections below the posterior breathing tube. The larva of P. absidatus is most similar to that of P. pecchiolii Rondani. It is distinguished from that species by the upright, triangular-shaped vestiture coating the integument of the larva and puparium.