Dark-winged Blood Bee - Sphecodes gibbus

Body length about 10 mm. Of the 3 large species of Sphecodes, this one lacks the box-head of S. monilicornis: darker red and smokier wings than S. reticulatus. Expert confirmation of id is usually required.

May be present in a wide variety of habitats.

Females may be found between April and September, males between July and September. Early season females are searching for host nests, late season ones are searching for mates or overwintering sites.

The British host is Halictus rubicundus.

Sphecodes gibbus is widespread and locally common in southern Britain with records extending thinly into southern Scotland.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.