Habitat and Nutrition
Trichodes apivorus,
while most common
along the East coast and in Southern states,
has been known to inhabit some central states as well, such as
Illinois and Indiana. In addition, the species has been
found in Mexico (Wolcott 1947). Trichodes apivorus can
theoretically occupy any regions moist and sunny enough to
facilitate an abundant source of flowers, as long as their hosts
are also prevalent (MacRae 2012). From both the flowers
and their hosts, both adult and larval stages can feed on pollen
(Jolivet 1998). From the Hymenoptera, Trichodes apivorus
larvae gain access to bee larvae and the stored food sources of
the hive (MacRae 2012). The adult beetle is also capable
of preying on other flower-visiting insects (MacRae 2012).
Though the niche occupied by the beetle can be found in many
places, its life cycle and limited flight capabilities may
explain the geographic distribution of the species (Arnett, et
al. 1980).
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