Checkered Beetle vs Blood Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Checkered Beetle | Blood Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Trichodes apiarius | Sphecodes monilicornis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cleridae | Halictidae |
| Size | 9-16 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Checkered Beetle
A brightly colored red and blue beetle often found on flowers. Its larvae are parasites of solitary bee nests.
Did You Know?
Females lay eggs near bee nests so larvae can invade and consume the bee brood.
Blood Bee
A cleptoparasitic bee with a bright red abdomen and black head that attacks the nests of furrow bees. Females enter host nests to lay eggs that hatch and consume the host provisions.
Did You Know?
Its blood-red abdomen is the source of its common name and makes it look more like a ruby-colored ant than a bee.