Bee-wolf (Philanthus triangulum) with honey bee (Apis mellifera) prey
Taken at RSPB Minsmere in July 2017. Bee-wolf (Philanthus triangulum). This is a spectacular type of solitary wasp that excavates a nest in sandy soil. The nest...
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Taken at RSPB Minsmere in July 2017. Bee-wolf (Philanthus triangulum). This is a spectacular type of solitary wasp that excavates a nest in sandy soil. The nest tunnels can be up to 1m in length and consist of side chambers in which the larvae develop in brood cells. As adults they feed on nectar, but their larvae feed on paralysed honey bees (Apis mellifera) which are caught by the female and placed in the chambers. This photo shows a female with her catch. These were once a very rare insect in Britain but are beginning to make a comeback, mostly in southern areas.
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Jun, 2020Views
27
Awards
Summer 2020
Peer Award
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