Taxonomy
Crabro peltarius
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 8-13mm, females broader
- Black head and thorax
- Abdomen black with yellow bands, sometimes broken in the centre
- Middle and hind tibia strikingly yellow
- Males with distinctive enlarged shield-like front tibia; blue-grey and yellow in colour
- Females in particular could be confused with other species, such as Mellinus arvensis, Crossocerus dimidiatus or Crossocerus quadrimaculatus. The use of a microscope and specialist keys will be required in most cases
Habitat
Found chiefly in sandy areas around the coast, such as dune systems and coastal heath. Sandy inland sites may also be occupied, such as quarries or sandy brownfield sites.
Flight period
Adults fly from late May until August, peaking in June and July.
Nesting biology
Nests are constructed singly in bare sand, typically in sunny sheltered locations. This species will nest in both vertical and flat sandy surfaces. The females will burrow into the sand at a depth of around 28cm and construct several individual cells. The cells are stocked with flies of numerous species and an egg is laid in each one. In Ireland, females have been observed catching flies in the families Therevidae and Muscidae in particular. The larvae hatch and consume the paralysed flies before pupating and emerging as adults the following year.
Flowers visited
Both sexes will occasionally visit flowers such as Bramble (Rubus sp.) and various Apiaceae.
Native region
Europe, North America, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Mellinus arvensis
- Crossocerus dimidiatus
- Crossocerus quadrimaculatus
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
Surveying for this species at suitable sites would be helpful in establishing trends in its distribution and abundance in Ireland.
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