ExploreInsects

American Sand Wasp

Bembix americana

The American Sand Wasp is a small, friendly insect that loves to dig in the sand. It makes little holes in the ground where it lays its eggs. These wasps are busy and help keep nature balanced!

Habitat: Sandy areas

Appearance

The American Sand Wasp has a robust body, primarily black with bright yellow bands on its abdomen. It features a large head with prominent green eyes and strong mandibles. Its wings are clear and slightly smoky, setting it apart from more slender, solid-colored wasps.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCrabronidaeGenusBembix
American Sand Wasp
solitary trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecarnivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
American Sand Wasp

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

Mom wasps fill underground nurseries with paralyzed flies for their babies!

Some female wasps will steal food from other sand wasps' burrows!

Their rapid, erratic flight makes them incredibly difficult to catch in mid-air.

They often "dance" over their nest entrance, remembering its location perfectly.

Special abilities

Ability

Paralyzing Sting

American Sand Wasp has a venomous sting that helps them paralyze prey, ensuring fresh food for their young in the burrow.

Ability

Aerial Hunter

American Sand Wasp can perform fast, agile flights because of its strong wing muscles, allowing it to quickly catch other flying insects.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
20-45 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults drink nectar, while larvae feast on flies paralyzed by their mother.

Age differences: Adults feed on flower nectar, while larvae are carnivorous, consuming flies provisioned by the mother.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • house flies
  • flesh flies
  • other small flies

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

House Fly

Musca domestica

Paralyzes and provisions for its larvae.

hunts

Flesh Fly

Sarcophaga carnaria

Captures for its developing young in underground burrows.

eaten by

Garden Spider

Argiope aurantia

Can be caught in large orb webs while flying.

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding pollen transfer.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't bother wasps if you see them digging; they are usually not harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify American Sand Wasp?

The easiest way to identify American Sand Wasp is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is American Sand Wasp's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is American Sand Wasp?

15-20 mm

How long does American Sand Wasp live?

20-45 days

How fast can American Sand Wasp fly?

20 km/h

What does American Sand Wasp eat?

Adults drink nectar, while larvae feast on flies paralyzed by their mother.

Where is American Sand Wasp usually found?

Sandy areas

How does American Sand Wasp hunt?

Pursuit

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