Wasp Beetle
Clytus arietis
This record describes Clytus arietis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Though this beetle mimics a wasp, in both colouration and movement, this black and yellow beetle is totally harmless. On hedgerow vegetation and in well wooded areas. It breeds in the decaying wood of deciduous trees. It can often be found in clear view, resting on leaves in low vegetation. Presumably its yellow and black colours warn off any predatory birds! Common and widespread in England and Wales, scarcer in Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Clytus arietis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clytus_arietis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerambycidae
- Genus
- Clytus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On hedgerow vegetation and in well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
It can be found from April until July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It breeds in the decaying wood of deciduous trees. It can often be found in clear view, resting on leaves in low vegetation. Presumably its yellow and black colours warn off any predatory birds!
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, scarcer in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Clytus arietis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Wasp Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wasp Beetle
What is Wasp Beetle?
Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Wasp Beetle found?
Habitat: On hedgerow vegetation and in well wooded areas.
When is Wasp Beetle active?
Wasp Beetle: seasonal activity - It can be found from April until July..
What is the life cycle of a Wasp Beetle?
It breeds in the decaying wood of deciduous trees. It can often be found in clear view, resting on leaves in low vegetation. Presumably its yellow and black colours warn off any predatory birds!