# Hump-Backed Beewolf (*philanthus gibbosus*) The Hump-Backed Beewolf is a fascinating insect that hunts bees! It uses its clever skills to catch its food and is known for its unique hump on its back. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Hump-Backed Beewolves can be found in sandy areas and meadows where bees are abundant. - **Also known as:** Bee Hunter, Bee Wolf, Humpbacked Wasps ![Hump-Backed Beewolf](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/P._gibbosus57306787w.jpg&width=800) Photo: Beatriz Moisset, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:P._gibbosus57306787w.jpg) ## Appearance The Hump-Backed Beewolf has a black body adorned with bright yellow markings, especially on its abdomen, which tapers slightly. It features a noticeable 'hump' on its thorax and smoky wings, making it easily distinguishable from other wasps. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Crabronidae - **Genus:** Philanthus ## Interesting facts - Each female beewolf can dig multiple tunnels, each housing several bee-filled cells. - Female beewolves carefully stock their underground nurseries with paralyzed bees! - Male beewolves often mark plants with scent to attract females and defend their territory! - They sometimes 'test' their burrows by buzzing loudly to check for vibrations. ## Special abilities - **Paralyzing Sting:** Hump-Backed Beewolf can paralyze prey with its powerful venomous stinger, ensuring a fresh food supply for its hungry larvae. - **Master Digger:** Hump-Backed Beewolf can excavate intricate burrows in sandy soil because its strong legs and mandibles are adapted for digging. - **Chemical Tracker:** Hump-Backed Beewolf can locate specific bee species by sensing their unique chemical cues, helping it find preferred prey. - **Food Preserver:** Hump-Backed Beewolf can apply a special antibacterial secretion to its paralyzed prey, keeping it fresh for its developing young. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 15-30 mm - **Size:** 8-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 20-40 days - **Flight Speed:** 25 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult beewolves drink nectar, but hunt and paralyze various bees to feed their hungry larvae. - **Age differences:** Adults feed on nectar, while larvae consume paralyzed bees brought by the mother. - **Primary Foods:** Honey bees, Sweat bees, Bumblebees, Flower nectar - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Primary prey item for provisioning beewolf larvae. - **Hunts:** Common eastern bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — Larger bees occasionally targeted as prey for larvae. - **Hunts:** [Sweat bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sweat-bee) (*Halictus ligatus*) — Smaller bees often targeted for larval provisions. - **Depends on:** [Canada goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Adult beewolves feed on nectar from its abundant flowers. ## 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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [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. - [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:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Hump-Backed Beewolf? Compare the antennae, wings, waist, body hair and legs. Yellow and black stripes show up on bees, wasps and harmless mimics alike. Bee & Wasp Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Hump-Backed Beewolf's wingspan? 15-30 mm ### How big is Hump-Backed Beewolf? 8-15 mm ### How long does Hump-Backed Beewolf live? 20-40 days ### How fast can Hump-Backed Beewolf fly? 25 km/h ### What does Hump-Backed Beewolf eat? Adult beewolves drink nectar, but hunt and paralyze various bees to feed their hungry larvae. ### Where is Hump-Backed Beewolf usually found? Hump-Backed Beewolves can be found in sandy areas and meadows where bees are abundant. ### How does Hump-Backed Beewolf hunt? Pursuit ## Where to spot - [Bean Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bean-hill-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Chelsea Parade Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chelsea-parade-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Gabriola Sands Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gabriola-sands-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see Hump-Backed Beewolf](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/hump-backed-beewolf) ## 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: [Hump-Backed Beewolf: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hump-backed-beewolf)