Wasp Beetle - Clytus arietis
Description
Though this beetle mimics a wasp, in both colouration and movement, this black and yellow beetle is totally harmless.
Habitat
On hedgerow vegetation and in well wooded areas.
When to see it
It can be found from May until August.
Life History
It breeds in the decaying wood of deciduous trees. It can often be found in clear view, resting on leaves in low vegetation. Presumably its yellow and black colours warn off any predatory birds!
UK Status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, scarcer in Scotland.
VC55 Status
Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 74 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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