Taxonomy
Ectemnius (Metacrabro) cephalotes
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 9-17mm (females are our largest Ectemnius)
- Head black with silvery hairs on the face
- Thorax primarily black, female with yellow collar and striking yellow spot (scutellum)
- Abdomen black with yellow bands, sometimes broken in the centre
- Easily confused with other Ectemnius, but only this species has silver facial hairs and an evenly-banded abdomen. For trickier specimens a microscope and specialist keys are recommended
Habitat
Little is known of the precise habitat requirements in Ireland, but like other Ectemnius species, it can be found around dead wood in sunny woodland clearings, glades and sheltered gardens.
Flight period
Univoltine from early July-early September.
Nesting biology
In Ireland females have been observed nesting in dead wood in both shaded and sunlit settings. Nests are bored by the female and several cells are constructed adjacent to the main tunnel. Cells are deposited with paralysed hoverfly species before an egg is laid in each one. The egg soon hatches and the larva consumes the hoverflies before pupating and emerging as an adult the following year.
Flowers visited
This species has not been observed on flowers in Ireland, but possibly visits Apiaceae.
Native region
Europe, North America, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Other Ectemnius species (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 was only discovered in Ireland in 1998 and has been poorly recorded since Surveying suitable sites for this species and sending in your sightings to the NBDC would be greatly appreciated.
References
Publications
Colm Ronayne. 1998. Ectemnius cephalotes (Olivier) (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), an aculeate wasp new to Ireland: pp 97-101