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Bee-eating Beetle

Trichodes apiarius

The Bee-eating Beetle is a colorful little bug that loves to eat bees! It has bright colors that help it blend into flowers and stay safe from predators.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Bee-eating Beetle has a striking appearance with a metallic blue-black body marked by two prominent bright orange or red bands across its wing cases. Its head and thorax are also dark, often with a subtle metallic sheen. This vivid coloration distinguishes it from many other beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCleridaeGenusTrichodes
Bee-eating Beetle
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeambush_predator trait badge
Bee-eating Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult beetles are quick and can grab flying bees right out of the air!

Its larvae are sneaky house guests, living and eating inside the nests of bees!

The bright colors on its body are a clear warning sign to hungry birds and lizards!

These beetles are sometimes called 'bee wolves' because of their hunting skills!

Special abilities

Ability

Bee Hunter Vision

Bee-eating Beetle can rapidly spot flying bees because of its excellent eyesight, allowing it to ambush prey from flowers.

Ability

Toxic Tints

Bee-eating Beetle has vivid red and black markings that warn predators it tastes bad or might be toxic, protecting it.

Ability

Nest Infiltrator Larva

Bee-eating Beetle larvae can sneak into bee and wasp nests to feed on the developing young and their stored food.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
18-32 mm
Size
9-16 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults eat nectar and pollen, and hunt bees; larvae eat bee larvae and stored honey/pollen.

Age differences: Larvae are carnivorous, feeding on bee larvae and stored food in nests, while adults also consume nectar and pollen.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Honey bees
  • Solitary bees
  • Wasp larvae

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Adult beetles actively hunt and consume adult honey bees.

hunts

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

May also prey on other large social bees like bumblebees.

parasitizes

Red Mason Bee

Osmia bicornis

Larvae infest nests of solitary bees, consuming their offspring and provisions.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and watch from a distance; they are small and delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bee-eating Beetle's wingspan?

18-32 mm

How big is Bee-eating Beetle?

9-16 mm

How long does Bee-eating Beetle live?

30-60 days

What does Bee-eating Beetle eat?

Adults eat nectar and pollen, and hunt bees; larvae eat bee larvae and stored honey/pollen.

Where is Bee-eating Beetle usually found?

Urban areas

How does Bee-eating Beetle hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Bee-eating Beetle have?

6

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