# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Coastal areas - **Also known as:** Sand Wasp ![Bembix rostrata](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sand_wasp_%28Bembix_rostrata%29%252C_Fort_du_Loc'h%252C_Guidel%252C_Brittany%252C_France_%2819900725286%29_%28cropped%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Frank Vassen from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sand_wasp_%28Bembix_rostrata%29%252C_Fort_du_Loc'h%252C_Guidel%252C_Brittany%252C_France_%2819900725286%29_%28cropped%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Crabronidae - **Genus:** Bembix ## 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 - **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. - **Paralyzing Sting:** Bembix rostrata can deliver a precise sting that paralyzes prey without killing it, ensuring fresh food for their developing larvae. - **Nectar Siphon:** Bembix rostrata has a long, proboscis-like mouthpart that helps them drink nectar deeply from various flowers for energy. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Watch from a distance and don't bother them while they are working. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Bembix rostrata? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Bembix rostrata: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bembix-rostrata)