Sphecodes scabricollis Wesmael,1835

Synonyms

Sphecodes perversus RITSEMA 1879

Distribution

Found locally and sparingly in southern England and Wales. Abroad, found throughout much of Europe, but apparently rare everywhere.

Status (in Britain only)

Listed as Rare (RDB3) in both Shirt (1987) and Falk (1991).

Habitat

Found in open, broadleaved woodland and heath margins, situations 

Flight period

Univoltine. Very few females of this species are known but the flight period of this sex is probably from early April to mid September. Males are captured more frequently, from late July to late September.

Pollen collected

This bee does not collect pollen as it is a cleptoparasite. The host is believed to be Lasioglossum zonulum, although R C L Perkins considered Halictus eurygnathus a possible host, without evidence.

Flowers visited

Flower visits are recorded from the daisy family plants (Asteraceae) and, in continental Europe, carrots (Daucus sp.).

Parasites

No information available.

Author of profile

G W Allen.

Year profile last updated

Profile written:

Proofed: January 2012