Phegea53-3. <i>T</i><i>richodes</i><i> apiarius </i>(Coleoptera: Cleridae) in de Benelux.

Following some finds of <i>Trichodes apiarius</i> (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) on the west side of Brussels, the biology and distribution of this species were further investigated. The adults visit flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar. The larvae develop as parasites in nests of solitary bees, occasionally also in honey bee hives. <i>T. apiarius</i> is quite common in Europe, North Africa and eastwards to the Caucasus. It is widespread in the Benelux countries, especially south of the major rivers.