description Bee Beetle Overview
The bee beetle, Trichius fasciatus, is a flower chafer in the scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae and occurs across much of Europe. Its hairy body and yellow wing cases marked with irregular black bands give it a superficial resemblance to a bumblebee. Adults are commonly encountered on flowers during summer, where they feed on pollen and nectar, while the larvae develop in decaying wood and contribute to the breakdown of dead plant material.
help Bee Beetle FAQ
Is the bee beetle actually a bee, and can it sting?
No. Trichius fasciatus is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, and its hairy body with yellow and black bands only resembles a bumblebee. [UK National Museums taxon record](https://uksi-sandbox.nhm.ac.uk/taxon.php?linkKey=NBNSYS0000011551)
Where do adult Trichius fasciatus beetles and their larvae live?
Adults are commonly found on flowers in meadows, forest clearings, and forest edges. The larvae develop in rotting wood, so mature woodland and dead timber are important parts of its life cycle.
Where in Europe can I look for a bee beetle?
Trichius fasciatus occurs across much of Europe, especially in northern and central regions and in hilly or mountainous habitats. Look on flowering plants near woodland rather than in open urban areas.
How can I tell Trichius fasciatus from the similar Trichius gallicus?
Both species are hairy yellow-and-black flower chafers, so identification can require close inspection. In Trichius fasciatus, the first black band on the wing cases often reaches the scutellum, while the band pattern and regional range help separate it from Trichius gallicus.
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