| Wasp beetle | |
|---|---|
| |
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
| Family: | Cerambycidae |
| Genus: | Clytus |
| Species: | C. arietis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Clytus arietis | |
Clytus arietis, the wasp beetle, is a wasp-mimicking longhorn beetle species in the genus Clytus.[1][2]
It reaches 9–18 millimetres (0.35–0.71 in) in length. It features prominent yellow and black patterns along its head and abdomen, in what is believed to be an evolutionary attempt to mimic wasps and avoid predation. It also possesses thin legs and antennae that move in small, quick movements, which supports the wasp-mimicking hypothesis.
The larvae live in dead wood.
Flies well in sunshine from May to July, often visiting flowers for pollen and nectar. It is harmless but is protected by its wasp-like colours and movements, making it a Batesian mimic. It also emanates a wasp buzz-like noise when threatened. They can be seen wandering around on flowers from late spring to early summer, and they are easily mistaken for wasps. They are not to be confused with another wasp-mimicking longhorn beetle, Rutpela maculata.
This is a common species of no concern.[3]
