Sphecodes albilabris
Sphecodes albilabris
Sphecodes albilabris is a Hymenoptera of the family of narrow furrows and bees ( Halictidae ). Due to habitat loss and threats to its host bee which parasitic evolving species is endangered.
Features
The animals reach a body length of 11 to 14 millimeters, making them the largest Blutbienenart in Central Europe. Head and thorax are black, the abdomen is red, only the last segment is black. The body is thin with black hair, bumps on the shoulder and legs, the coat is partially white. The wings are dark tinted. It can be confused with some species the genus.
Occurrence
The species is found in Central Europe everywhere, but mostly very rare. It settles loose sandy soils, such as dunes or sand pits. The flight time of the new generation from July to September, the females overwinter and fly in April and May.
Way of life
Sphecodes albilabris parasitic develops as a cuckoo bee at Spring Seidenbiene ( Colletes cunicularis ). The egg is placed in a finished cell of the host bee, before the Wirtsei therein is eaten. The larvae of Sphecodes albilabris then develop on the nectar and pollen supply.