Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Trichodes alvearius

Size:  Up to 17mm

Distribution:  Extinct in the UK but still found in Europe

Months seen:  May to August

Habitat:  Woodland edges, hedgerows, parks and gardens

Food:  Pollen and small invertebrates.  The larvae feed on the grubs of bees and wasps

Special features:  The Checkered Bee Beetles (Trichodes alvearius) is a very hairy type of Checkered Beetle belonging to the Cleridae family.  It has an irridesent blue body with black and red wing casings.  The abdomen is also bright red.

This beetle became extinct in the UK in the 1800's but it can be found in many European countries where it is commonly known as "Clarion des Ruches" (literally "Bugle of the Beehive").

Related Pages

• UK Safari Extinct Species Section
• UK Safari Beetles Section
• UK Safari Invertebrates Section
• Identify other wildlife
• Free Newsletter