Sphecodes reticulatus Thomson,1870
Synonyms
Sphecodes distinguendus VON HAGENS 1874
Distribution
Widely distributed in England, from Dorset to Kent and north to Lincolnshire. Also recorded from the Channel Islands (Sark).
Status (in Britain only)
Listed as Rare (RDB3) in Shirt (1987) and as Notable A by Falk (1991).
Habitat
This Sphecodes has been found in a variety of habitats on light soils, including sandy heath, soft rock cliffs, sandpits and occasionally on calcareous grassland (Falk 1991).
Flight period
Late May to mid September, but there is no information available on the flight periods of the two sexes.
Pollen collected
As this is a cleptoparasitic bee, no pollen is collected.
Nesting biology
The parasitic behaviour has not been observed and the host has not been ascertained. The parasite has been captured near burrows of Lasioglossum prasinum on sandy heath but is found outside the range of this mining bee. Some Andrena species have been implicated as hosts, including A. argentata, A. dorsata (second brood) and A. barbilabris.
Flowers visited
Apiaceae and Asteraceae are visited for nectar only in Britain, whilst abroad, heather has additionally been found to be used.
Parasites
No information available.
Year profile last updated
Profile written:
Proofed: January 2012