Taxonomy
Ectemnius (Clytochrysus) lapidarius
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 7-12mm, females larger than males
- Black head, male antennae black and knobbly, female antennae partly yellow and smooth
- Thorax black, females sometimes with yellow markings on the collar
- Abdomen black with yellow bands, usually broken in the centre
- Males particularly dark with yellow markings confined to the sides of the abdomen
- Both sexes with golden hairs on the face
- Easily confused with other Ectemnius species, particularly E. cavifrons. The shape of the antennae and clypeus must be checked under magnification for reliable identification
Habitat
Associated with a wide range of habitats in Ireland, particularly woodland clearings and edges, scrub and wetlands. Dead wood for nesting is essential.
Flight period
Univoltine from early June - early September.
Nesting biology
Females nest singly in dead wood, such as tree stumps, old logs and fenceposts. They will usually excavate the burrows themselves, pushing often large quantities of sawdust out below. Each female will construct several cells adjacent to the main burrow and deposit them with several paralysed hoverflies. She will then lay an egg in each cell, which will hatch and the wasp larvae will consume the paralysed hoverflies before pupating and emerging as an adult the following year. Males typically emerge a week or two before the females.
Flowers visited
Both sexes are frequent visitors of Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and Wild Carrot (Daucus carota).
Similar species
- Other Ectemnius species (see above)
- Crossocerus dimidiatus, Crossocerus quadrimaculatus
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.