Epeolus variegatus

Habitat: Sandy areas where the host Colletes species are found.

Size: 5-9mm

Species account: The commoner of the two Epeolus species in the UK, parasitising a range of common Colletes species. Females are very similar to their congener E.cruciger and a specimen may be required to confirm the identification. The following features help distinguish the species:

Hind femur - mostly black in variegatus, entirely red in cruciger

1st tergite - White markings enclose black band in variegatus, black band uninterrupted in cruciger

Female

Male