Clytus arietis (Linnaeus, 1758) The wasp Beetle.
Family: Cerambycidae. Genus: Clytus.
Length: 9 to 18mm
Flight season: May to August.
Obviously because Clytus arietis markings mimic a wasp, so hence the name. Will be seen mainly feeding on flower heads, for pollen and nectar, or resting amongst vegetation. Not just the Beetle’s markings can deter predators, but also the beetle mimics the wasp’s jerky movements and apparently gives out a buzz like sound when threatened; The Wasp Beetle does not have a stinger.
The Wasp Beetle is common and widespread in England and Wales, uncommon more, in the north of England, scarcer in Scotland. Can also be found over much of central and south of Europe, around the Mediterranean countries and over to the east, into the eastern regions of Russia.
Habitat: Woodland and woodland edges, (especially near fallen dead branches), meadows, hedgerows, gardens and parklands.
Occasionally, the adult female will eat small invertebrates, these being a valuable food source of protein, needed to produce her eggs.
The female, after mating, will lay her eggs in the crevices of deciduous decaying wood. The larvae will live just under the loose bark, but when halfway through their development, they will tunnel deeper into the decaying wood; eventually the larvae will pupate in the dead wood. The life cycle to an adult Beetle can take two, or more years, depending on climate. Usually the adults will emerge, mid to late spring and will die in the late summer months, after mating.