Criorhina asilica (Fallén, 1816)

Biology & ecology:

The larva has been reared from heartwood debris in a cavity in Beech Fagus sylvatica but it can probably breed in the decaying roots of this and other tree species, such as Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Birch Betula sp. Adults are convincing mimics of hive bees and some solitary bees. They are usually found in or near woodland with over-mature trees. They visit flowers such as Hawthorn Crataegus and Dogwood Cornus sanguinea but can also be found sitting or flying around the base of stumps and dead or dying trees. Males patrol trees and shrubs often close to the ground where they can be mistaken for male Andrena scotica (Morris, 2009).

Distribution:

Records extend north to a line between the Solway and the Tweed and at the moment there are no Scottish data. Although widely distributed, C. asilica is most often encountered in districts with extensive broadleaved woodlands.

Status & conservation:

There was some evidence of a decline in occurrence to the mid-1990s, but little sign of change thereafter.