Taxonomy
Ancistrocerus trifasciatus
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 7-12mm, males smaller than females
- Primarily black body with three (sometimes four) yellow bands on the abdomen
- Legs yellow and black
- First yellow band on the abdomen expanded at the sides in females
- Could be confused with Symmorphus bifasciatus or other Ancistrocerus species. The medium build, yellow and black legs and three abdominal bands can help with identification but ideally a microscope and specialist keys are needed.
Habitat
Not well known in Ireland, but it has been recorded from partially wooded areas, gardens, parks and damp scrub and wet grassland. Apparently more likely to be found in damper areas than some of its relatives.
Flight period
June-September, peaking in June and July.
Nesting biology
In Ireland it has been observed nesting above ground in bored timber and bee hotels. It has also been reported using old plant stems, disused galls and holes in masonry. The nesting holes are divided into cells, each one with several small moth caterpillars and a single egg laid by the female wasp. These are usually several centimeters deep and capped with soft mud. The larvae hatch and consume the caterpillars before pupating and emerging the following year.
Flowers visited
Not an avid nectar feeder, but will occasionally visit Bramble (Rubus sp.), Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) or Thistles (Cirsium sp).
Native region
Europe, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Symmorphus bifasciatus
- Other Ancistrocerus 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 has been under-recorded in Ireland. Surveying suitable habitats and sending in records 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 Science, 37, 201–vi. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20490329