Crossocerus cetratus

Description

Another small, predominantly black wasp - the swollen front leg is distinctive in this species.  There are several similar species and care is needed with identification.

Identification difficulty
ID guidance

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field.  All red-rated records should include a photo or set of photos of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’).  The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings.  The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters.  Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future.   Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS’ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065021433202 .  If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’.

Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Habitat

Occurring in sunny spots where suitable nest sites are available, such as margins of woods, hedgerows, scrubby heaths, parks and gardens.

When to see it

Mainly May to August and more sparingly into September.

Life History

Small diptera are widely held to be the main, if not sole prey items. This small wasp nests mainly in dead wood but also in hollow plant stems. It appears to utilise a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

UK Status

Quite widely recorded across England and Wales, just reaching southern Scotland.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Bees, Wasps, Ants
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Crabronidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
17/06/2019 (Berriman, Matthew)
Last record:
17/06/2019 (Berriman, Matthew)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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