Description

Body length 6 - 12mm. There are several very similar species of Blood Bee that are mainly black with extensive red on the abdomen.

Habitat

They are cleptoparasites of various species of solitary bees and tend to congregate where their hosts' nests are.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in the southern half of Britain. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to October.