Sand-nesting-wasp
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.
Philanthus crabroniformis
beewolf
Philanthus crabroniformis is a species of bee-hunting wasp, commonly known as a 'beewolf,' native to North America. The species belongs to the family Crabronidae and primarily preys upon bees in the family Halictidae. Females construct nests in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed prey for their larval offspring. The species has been documented in sympatry with P. gibbosus, with which it shares similar prey preferences but exhibits distinctive nest approach behaviors that may represent an evolutionary response to parasitic pressure from miltogrammine flies.
Philanthus sanbornii
Sanborn's Beewolf
Philanthus sanbornii is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae, native to North America. Unlike many congeners that specialize on bees, this species has been documented as a predator of flies (Diptera), particularly small muscoid flies. Females construct simple burrows in sandy soil, capture and paralyze prey, and provision nests for their larval offspring. A five-year study in eastern Massachusetts documented over 3,000 prey items from 108 species of bees and wasps, though subsequent research in Florida identified flies as the primary prey. The species exhibits selective prey capture based on temporal availability, spatial distribution, sex ratio, and body size of available prey.
Philanthus ventilabris
Flat-collared Beewolf
Philanthus ventilabris is a solitary bee-hunting wasp ("beewolf") in the family Crabronidae. It occurs throughout North America and has been documented visiting flowers for nectar. Like other beewolves, females provision underground nests with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1798.