Sickle-jawed Blood Bee - Sphecodes puncticeps

A stout, small Sphecodes, with a median groove at the front of the thorax. It is very similar to other Sphecodes species and care is needed with identification.

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’.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Occurs in the same habitats as its hosts and is not particularly ecologically restricted, e.g. can be found in coastal areas, sandy heaths, occasionally in calcareous grassland and also in open woodland.

The female flies from May to October and the male from July to October.

This bee is a cleptoparasite on various Lasioglossum species, particularly L. lativentre and L. quadrinotatum.

Frequent in southern England, north to Cumberland and Yorkshire, and on the south coast of Wales. Also found in the Channel Islands.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.