Taxonomy
Ectemnius (Clytochrysus) cavifrons
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 11-16mm, females larger than males
- Black head, male antennae black and knobbly, female antennae partly yellow and smooth
- Thorax black, female with a yellow collar and sometimes with a yellow spot on abdomen (scutellum)
- Abdomen black with yellow bands, sometimes broken in the centre
- Both sexes with golden hairs on the face
- Easily confused with other Ectemnius species, especially E. lapidarius. The shape of the antennae and shape of the clypeus must be examined, so the use of a microscope and specialist keys are recommended
Habitat
Associated with parks, gardens and wooded areas in Ireland. Dead tree stumps situated in sunny woodland clearings, sheltered gardens or grassland seem to attract this species.
Flight period
Univoltine from early June until late August.
Nesting biology
Females nest singly in dead or rotting wood, although several females may share the same entrance hole. 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 occasionally observed on Apiaceae, particularly in warm weather.
Native region
Europe, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Other Ectemnius species, particularly E. lapidarius (see above)
- Crossocerus quadrimaculata
- Crossocerus dimiadtus
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
This species is poorly recorded, no doubt as a result of identification difficulties as Ectemnius wasps are commonly observed throughout Ireland. Obtaining specimens of these wasps for identification and submitting records to the NBDC would be greatly appreciated.