Crabro signatus (PANZER,1798); Crabro monstrosus (DAHLBOM,1845); Crabro confusus (SCHULZ,1906)
A scarce yellow-marked Crossocerus, closely resembling the relatively frequent C. dimidiatus, but typically with entirely yellow tibiae. This species has been variously assigned to the genera Crabro and Cuphopterus in older literature.
Recorded widely, though sparingly, across England, with one record from Scotland (Murroch Glen, Dunbartonshire, 1903). Abroad, known from central Europe and the Caucasus (Lomholdt, 1975-76).
Listed as Notable B by Falk (1991) (now known as Scarce (Nb)). There is no evidence of a particularly strong decline, though it has never been a common insect.
Associated with dead wood and timber, with British records from a variety of situations, including woodland, parkland, wetland, non-intensive agricultural settings and even gardens.
Univoltine; early June to early September.
Medium-sized flies such as lauxaniids and rhagionids.
Nesting occurs in burrows in dead wood and timber, including fallen logs, rotten stumps, fence posts and building timbers.
No information available. Males may 'swarm' around trees and bushes in a similar manner to C. dimidiatus.
No information available.
2001