Bee hotel

Anthrax anthrax♀︎

Last update: 30 May 2023


Uncommon

LOCATION: Krimpen aan den IJssel, garden

OBSERVATION:
2020-V-25


Finally I could witness the emerging of Anthrax anthrax [1] from its pupa.

When the larva is ready to emerge it will break free from the cocoon using the comb on its lip and starts crawling towards the exit. It will use the comb to break through any cell wall it encounters on its way out. During this crawling any host cocoons present in the brood cells it passes through this way may be crushed [2].

Anthrax anthrax, empty pupa in nest opening
Anthrax anthrax, crest on labrum pupa

Once it reaches the exit it will attach itself in the opening using anchor-like hairs and the fly will crawl from the pupa.

Anthrax anthrax ♀︎, imago

Anthrax anthrax ♀︎, imago
Anthrax anthrax ♀︎, imago

The emerged fly will rest nearby to harden. This is a female.

Anthrax anthrax ♀︎, imago

Literature

1 Nederlands Soortenregister

2 KRUNIC, M & Stanisavljević, Ljubiša & PINZAUTI, M. (2005). The accompanying fauna of Osmia cornuta and Osmia rufa and effective measures of protection. Bull. Insectol. 58. 141-152.

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