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Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp
ExploreInsects
Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp
Cerceris rybyensis
The Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp is a special insect that digs tunnels in the ground. It has a beautiful tail that looks like it's wearing a fancy coat!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp has a stout body with striking bright yellow and black bands across its abdomen. Its face is often yellowish, and its 'ornate tail' features distinct patterns, making it easily recognizable from other wasps.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCrabronidaeGenusCerceris
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult wasps drink nectar, but their kids only eat paralyzed insects.
Each baby wasp gets its own special underground pantry of paralyzed food.
They build complex tunnels that can be over a meter long!
This wasp is nicknamed "bee-wolf" because it expertly hunts bees!
Special abilities
Ability
Master Digger
Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp can dig intricate underground tunnels because of its powerful legs, creating safe nurseries for its young.
Ability
Paralyzing Sting
Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp can deliver a paralyzing sting that helps them subdue prey like bees without killing them instantly.
Ability
Navigation Whiz
Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp can remember complex routes because of its excellent spatial memory, always finding its hidden burrow.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 12-32 mm
- Size
- 8-16 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-40 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar from flowers, but their larvae munch on paralyzed bees stored in underground nests.
Age differences: Adults feed on nectar; larvae consume paralyzed insects.
Primary Foods
- wild bees
- hoverflies
- other small insects
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Common furrow bee
Lasioglossum calceatum
Main prey for larvae.
hunts
Cliff furrow bee
Halictus tumulorum
Also a primary food source.
depends on
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Adults feed on nectar.
parasitizes
Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Hedychrum rutilans
Lays eggs in their nests.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a wasp, just watch it from a distance. They are usually friendly and won't bother you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp's wingspan?
12-32 mm
How big is Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp?
8-16 mm
How long does Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp live?
20-40 days
How fast can Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp fly?
15 km/h
What does Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp eat?
Adults sip nectar from flowers, but their larvae munch on paralyzed bees stored in underground nests.
Where is Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp usually found?
Grasslands
How does Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Ornate-tailed Digger Wasp have?
6
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