Taxonomy

Ectemnius (Hypocrabro) continuus

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not Assessed

Species Biology

Identification

  • Body length: 8-15mm (females larger then males)
  • Black head with silver facial hairs
  • Black thorax, female with yellow collar
  • Abdomen predominantly black with three yellow bands (may be broken in the centre, especially in males)
  • Could be confused with other Ectemnius species, but the reduced number of yellow bands on the abdomen is distinctive
  • Could also be confused with Crossocerus dimidiatus or C. quadrimaculatus, but is larger and much more robust

Habitat

Found in a wider range of habitats than other Ectemnius species, including gardens, parks, woodland edges and clearings, farmland and coastal grassland. Almost always observed feeding on Apiaceae or active around dead wood.

Flight period

Univoltine in June-September.

Nesting biology

Nests in dead wood in sunny, sheltered situations. Females will excavate new burrows or use pre-existing ones before constructing several cells adjacent to the main tunnel. The cells are stocked with hoverflies and a single egg is laid in each one. The egg soon hatches and the larva consumes the hoverflies. It will then pupate and emerge as an adult the following year. 

Flowers visited

Both sexes can be observed on Apiaceae, particularly in warm weather.

Native region

Europe, North America, Temperate Asia

Similar species

  • Other Ecetmnius species (see above)
  • Crossocerus dimidiatus (see above)
  • Crossocerus qaudrimaculatus (see above)

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

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How can you help

This species is under-recorded in Ireland. It is the most distinctive of our Ectemnius species and can be recognised in the field with care. Submitting your records to the NBDC of this species would be greatly appreciated. 

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 Science37, 201–vi. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20490329

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