Rocky-mountain-endemic

Guides

• Philanthus bicinctus

  Bumble Bee Wolf, Bumblebee Wolf

  Philanthus bicinctus, commonly known as the Bumblebee Wolf, is a species of beewolf wasp endemic to the American Rockies. This solitary wasp is notable for its specialized predation on bumblebees, which it paralyzes to provision underground nests for its larvae. Research conducted at Yellowstone National Park has documented large aggregations of this species and its significant potential to influence pollinator dynamics and insect-flower interactions. Males exhibit strong territorial behavior, defending hilltops and elevated areas to secure mating opportunities.

  beewolfbumblebee-predatorsolitary-waspRocky-Mountain-endemicterritorialitypollinator-predatorCrabronidaePhilanthinaesand-nesting-waspYellowstone-National-Park