Ectemnius sexcinctus

A large Ectemnius species with yellow and black wasp like markings and closely resembling the more common Ectemnius continuus.

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’.

It utilises coastal, rural and urban locations. Usually most evident around large pieces of dead wood or on umbellifer flowers.

May to September.

Usually nesting in dead wood. Nests are stocked with a variety of medium-sized flies and hoverflies.

Sparsely recorded throughout England and Wales, extending as far north as the Whitby area of North-east Yorkshire. No clear northern or southern bias is apparent, though it appears to have increased its presence in northern England over recent decades, whilst declining in counties such as Dorset. A Nationally Notable (Nb) species.

Rare or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Burbage record of 16th Jul 2015 is only the second record of this species in VC55.