Taxonomy
Crossocerus (Hoplocrabro) quadrimaculatus
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 5 - 10mm
- Head black in colour with two small spines behind the lower part of the eyes
- Thorax predominantly black in colour with yellow marking on the collar
- Abdomen predominantly black with yellow patches
- Legs black and yellow in colour
- Could be confused with Crossocerus dimidiatus, Crabro peltarius or Ectemnius species
Habitat
Sandy sites are usually favoured, such as landward edges of dune systems, sand pits and quarries. Woodland edges over light soils may also be frequented.
Flight period
Univoltine, flying from mid-May until September.
Nesting biology
Nests solitarily in more compact sandy soils, sometimes in loose aggregations in both shady and sunny settings. Each burrow is stocked with small flies, caddisflies or moths for the larvae to feed on, which will pupate and emerge as adults the following year.
Flowers visited
Seen occasionally on Hogweed.
Similar species
- Crossocerus dimidiatus, which lacks the 'spine' on the head
- Crabro peltarius, which is bigger with different abdominal markings
- Ectemnius species, which are bigger and much broader
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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