Australozonitis lutea (Oil beetle)

Family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae

These beetles are parasitoids of native bees. Eggs are laid on flowers; the first-stage larvae are very active and attach themselves to visiting bees in order to gain access to the bee's nest. Once in the nest, they moult to a fat, sluggish form and consume the bee larva as well as the food provisions of honey and nectar. Adults feed on nectar.

Regional distribution

Australozonitis lutea is listed in the following regions: