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The Essex Naturalist
and Broom Hill in the south, plus Rowhedge (G Else) and Rushey Mead N.R. in
the north.
E. (Clytochrysus) cavifrons (Thomson)
Nests in rotten timber, provisioning its larvae with Diptera, especially Syrphidae.
Hanson (1992) lists Wanstead Flats, Leyton Flats and Woodford Golf Course,
between 1976 and 1990. Apart from that we have six records, from Burnham-
on-Crouch, Birch Spring Mill, Dunmow Railway Line, Rushey Mead N.R.,
Dolphin Quarry and the East Ham N. R. clearly indicating that this insect is
likely to be widespread across the whole county.
E. (Clytochrysus) lapidarius (Panzer)
Preys principally on hoverflies (Syrphidae) but occasionally takes other Diptera.
Nests in rotten wood.
The only Essex records appears to be from Rushey Mead N. R., near Bishops
Stortford, on 5th August 1995 and at Sawbridgeworth Marsh N.R. on 11th
August of the same year.
E. (Clytochrysus) sexcinctus (Fabr.) - Notable B
Preys on Diptera, especially Syrphidae and sometimes Calliphoridae and nests in
rotten wood.
Grays Chalk Quarries in 1984 and 1985, together with Sible Hedingham in
1993 appear to be the only Essex records we are aware of.
E. (Hypocrabro) continuus (Fabr.)
This common species preys on all manner of flies, but especially Syrphidae and
Muscidae. The nest is built in rotten timber.