Taxonomy
Symmorphus bifasciatus
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 6-11mm. Males smaller than females
- A primarily black species with 3 well-spaced yellow bands on the abdomen
- Slender, elongate body shape
- The first yellow band with a small black 'notch'
- Could be confused with Ancistrocerus species, particularly A. trifasciatus. This species is usually smaller, slimmer and with a small groove on the thorax. The small black notch on the first yellow band is diagnostic
Habitat
This species is found in lightly-wooded areas, parks, gardens and scrub. It appears to prefer damper areas. This is possibly due to the occurrence of willows and wet mud in such areas, both of which are important in this species' life cycle.
Flight period
June-August, peaking in July.
Nesting biology
This species has been recorded nesting in a variety of settings, such as as bramble stems, dead wood, bee hotels and occasionally clay banks. Cells are constructed in the nest holes and are lined with wet clay. The female will deposit larvae of the Blue Willow Beetle (Phyllodecta vulgatissima) into each cell before sealing it and laying an egg. The larvae will soon hatch and feed on the beetle larvae before pupating and emerging as an adult the following year.
Flowers visited
Both sexes will feed on Apiaceae flowers, as well as spurges (Euphorbia sp.).
Native region
Europe, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Ancistrocerus species, particularly A. trifasciatus (see above).
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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References
Publications
Stelfox, A. W. (1924). A List of the Hymenoptera Aculeata (Sensu Lato) of Ireland. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Section B: Biological, Geological, and Chemical Science, 37, 201–vi. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20490329