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Trichodes apiarius

Trichodes apiarius
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Cleridae
Genus: Trichodes
Species:
T. apiarius
Binomial name
Trichodes apiarius
Synonyms
  • Trichodes angusticollis Pic, 1902
  • Trichodes apicita Spinola, 1844
  • Trichodes apivore Walckenaer, 1802
  • Trichodes corallinus Ménétriés, 1832
  • Trichodes crassipedarius Chevrolat, 1876
  • Trichodes elegans Spinola, 1844
  • Trichodes georgianus Chevrolat, 1874
  • Trichodes pannonicus Spinola, 1844
  • Trichodes suturalis Trella, 1924
  • Trichodes suturifer Corporaal, 1932

Trichodes apiarius is a beetle species of checkered beetles belonging to the family Cleridae, subfamily Clerinae. It is found in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in North Africa.[1]

The adult is a hairy, small beetle with shining blue or black head and scutellum. The elongated elytra (wing cases) are bright red with black bands. This species can easily be distinguished from Trichodes alvearius for the black terminal band reaching the apex of the elytra. Adults grow up to 9–16 millimetres (0.35–0.63 in) and can be encountered from May through June on the flowers, mainly Apiaceae, feeding on the pollen. They also actively hunt small insects.

The larvae are parasites of bees (hence the name “apiarius”), as the adults lay the eggs in the nests of solitary bees (Osmia and Megachile species) or in hives of honey bees, eating larvae and nymphs.

References

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  1. ^ "Trichodes alvearius (Fabricius, 1792)". 2.6.2. Fauna Europaea. August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
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