Note: this is one of the most common and widespread species … yet it remains an identification challenge. The variation in colour is “almost beyond description”, and they are rather generalist in their morphology. However, it can be done. With caution. This one I’m confident of, having obtained a specimen for a closer look. In particular, note:

- broad and high vertex, strongly elevated centrally
- slender mandibles
- in this dark variant, the combination of minimal mesoscutal markings with narrow metasomal bands (in contrast with coast B. variabilis, which have broad metasomal bands even when the mesoscutum is entirely black)

For full details:
https://southernforestlife.net/notes/2025/bembix-littoralis