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Bembix rostrata

Bembix rostrata

Bembix rostrata, also known as the sand wasp, is a small, fast insect that loves to dig in the sand. They are great at catching other insects to feed their babies and are often seen buzzing around sandy areas.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Bembix rostrata is a medium-sized wasp with a striking black and bright yellow striped abdomen. It has large, often greenish compound eyes and a distinctive, elongated proboscis resembling a snout. Its body can appear somewhat robust.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCrabronidaeGenusBembix
Bembix rostrata
solitary trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecoastal trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
Bembix rostrata

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Female sand wasps can dig burrows in mere minutes using special bristles!

Male Bembix rostrata are known to "toss" females during their dramatic mating rituals!

Mother wasps provide their young with fresh, living food daily inside their burrows.

They fly with paralyzed prey held beneath their bodies, an amazing aerial feat!

Special abilities

Ability

Lightning Digger

Bembix rostrata can dig elaborate burrows in sand remarkably fast using specialized bristles and legs that help them create homes for their young.

Ability

Paralyzing Sting

Bembix rostrata can deliver a precise sting that paralyzes prey without killing it, ensuring fresh food for their developing larvae.

Ability

Nectar Siphon

Bembix rostrata has a long, proboscis-like mouthpart that helps them drink nectar deeply from various flowers for energy.

Ability

Flight Carrier

Bembix rostrata can carry relatively large, paralyzed prey beneath its body while flying, efficiently transporting food to its burrow.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-45 mm
Size
13-24 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This sand wasp is an insectivore, paralyzing flying insects to feed its young.

Age differences: Larvae consume paralyzed insects; adults feed solely on nectar for energy.

Primary Foods

  • Flies
  • Mosquitoes
  • Other small Diptera
  • Nectar (adults)

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

common house fly

Musca domestica

Larvae feed on paralyzed flies.

eaten by

bluebottle fly

Calliphora vomitoria

Common prey for the wasp's offspring.

depends on

wild thyme

Thymus serpyllum

Adults drink nectar for energy.

parasitizes

a cleptoparasitic fly

Miltogramma punctatum

Lays eggs in wasp's burrow to steal food.

Traits

Also known as

Sand Wasp

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch from a distance and don't bother them while they are working.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bembix rostrata's wingspan?

25-45 mm

How big is Bembix rostrata?

13-24 mm

How long does Bembix rostrata live?

20-40 days

How fast can Bembix rostrata fly?

20 km/h

What does Bembix rostrata eat?

This sand wasp is an insectivore, paralyzing flying insects to feed its young.

Where is Bembix rostrata usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Bembix rostrata hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Bembix rostrata have?

6

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