The wedge shape of these beetles is distinctive. They have a long body with pointed elytra that hide the abdomen. This beetle has black elytra and a reddish or yellowish head and thorax. They have a blackish spot on the thorax. The male has feathery antenna (Photo A) while the females do not (PhotoB). These beetles are approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inches long.
The larva are parasitic on solitary bees or vespid wasps. The adults are free living with the females being found on flowers where they lay their eggs.
Adults live only a day or two. These beetles, which usually are parasites in wasp’s nests, are related to another group of insects, the Strepsiptera (twisted -winged insects), which are mostly parasitic on solitary bees, mason wasps and solitary wasps.
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