Odynerus melanocephalus (Gmelin,1790)
Description and notes
See Odynerus spinipes for literature on this species.
Distribution
The species has been recorded from Devon to Kent and northwards to Northamptonshire.
Status (in Britain only)
Listed in Falk (1991) as Nationally Notable (Na).
Habitat
Open situations on light clayey soils. Grasslands, heathlands, soft rock cliffs, landslips and saltmarsh margins. Also disturbed situations such as brick pits, sand pits and railway embankments.
Flight period
Adults are most likely to be seen during June but have also been seen in late May and July and more rarely in early August.
Prey collected
The cells of O. melanocephalus have been observed to be provisioned with weevil larvae and small lepidopterous caterpillars.
Nesting biology
The nesting areas of O. melanocephalus are usually on level, exposed soil with a clay content. The burrow entrance has an associated 'chimney' which is rather short, being about 1cm long. See Odynerus spinipes for further details of nesting biology.
Flowers visited
Wild carrot, clover and speedwell.
Year profile last updated
1997