# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Bee-eating Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cleridae_-_Trichodes_apiarius.JPG&width=800) Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cleridae_-_Trichodes_apiarius.JPG) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Cleridae - **Genus:** Trichodes ## 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 - **Bee Hunter Vision:** Bee-eating Beetle can rapidly spot flying bees because of its excellent eyesight, allowing it to ambush prey from flowers. - **Toxic Tints:** Bee-eating Beetle has vivid red and black markings that warn predators it tastes bad or might be toxic, protecting it. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-mason-bee) (*Osmia bicornis*) — Larvae infest nests of solitary bees, consuming their offspring and provisions. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle and watch from a distance; they are small and delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Bee-eating Beetle? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Bee-eating Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bee-eating-beetle)