Information: Stenoria apicalis as described by Latreille in 1804 originally as Sitaris apicalis.
Stenoria apicalis is a rare species throughout its entire distribution range.
The morphology of the species Stenoria apicalis is characterized by very long antennae; in males they almost reach the end of the elytra, while in females they extend completely to the front third of the elytra. The 5th to 8th antennal segments in males are distinctly triangular and serrated. The head, viewed from the front, has prominent temples. The elytra possess two ribs (with the inner one sometimes indistinct). The coloration of the head and pronotum is highly variable, ranging from dark brown to bright yellow-orange, but usually yellow-orange with black spots. The parameres are spatula-shaped in their apical third, flattened laterally and leaf-like.
The species is extremely variable, especially in color pattern, and many color forms have been described, differing in the distribution and proportion of yellow and black on the head and shield. These forms are of no taxonomic value.
Body length: 5 - 9 mm
Peak activity: June ~ September (depends on region)
Remarks: Stenoria apicalis, like its related species Stenoria analis, is a thermo- and xerophilous species, meaning it prefers sunny, warm habitats with sandy or sandy-loam soils. It typically inhabits open steppe environments, dry grasslands, forest edges, sunny slopes, and stony field margins, where its host bees, particularly those of the genus Colletes, also nest. Adult beetles are most often found on flowers, especially plants of the genus Eryngium.
In Hungary, Stenoria apicalis is known only from a few localities in the Sand Dunes (Fülöpháza, Ágasegyháza, Kéleshalom, Dabas, Táborfalva, Tatárszentgyörgy) and is a characteristic species of natural sand wastelands.
Distribution: Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Iran, Lebanon, Montenegro, Moldova, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Serbia, Ukraine, Turkey, Turkmenistan
Taxonomic classification:
Stenoria apicalis & Stenoria analis (typical form)
Material examined (& observation):
Our observation period: August
Sampling Methods: on bush and flowers 
Hungary
