Checkered Beetle; Escarabajo Ajedrezado

Hairy 10-15 mm size beetle with shining blue or black head and scutellum. The elongated elytra show a bright reddish orange colour with black bands. This species can easily be distinguished from other Trichodes species by the two small black spots in front of the elytra.

The larvae parasitizes bees, as the females lay the eggs in the nests of wild bees or in hives of honey bees. After hatching larvae feed on larvae and nymphs of their victims.

The adults can be encountered from May through July on the flowers, mainly Apiaceae, feeding on the pollen. However, they integrate their diet with small insects that they actively hunt.