Red-belted Sand Wasp
ExploreInsects
Red-belted Sand Wasp
Ammophila sabulosa
The Red-belted Sand Wasp is a busy little insect that loves to dig in the sand. It builds nests for its babies and helps keep the environment healthy by pollinating flowers.
Habitat: Sandy areas
Appearance
The Red-belted Sand Wasp has a long, slender black body with a striking red-orange band across its abdomen. Its waist is very thin and thread-like, giving it a distinctive elegant appearance. Its clear wings are slightly smoky brown.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilySphecidaeGenusAmmophila
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It can build a new underground nursery for each single larva it lays!
Some female wasps 'trick' other wasps by pretending to steal their prey!
The Red-belted Sand Wasp will fly in a spiral pattern to map its nest location!
This wasp meticulously smooths sand over its nest opening to hide it!
Special abilities
Ability
Master Digger
Red-belted Sand Wasp can dig intricate burrows in sandy soil with its strong legs to create safe nests for its young.
Ability
Paralysis Power
Red-belted Sand Wasp has a powerful sting that paralyzes prey like caterpillars, ensuring fresh food for its developing larvae.
Ability
Home Navigator
Red-belted Sand Wasp can remember the exact location of its hidden nest, even after long hunting flights, using visual cues.
Ability
Strong Flyer
Red-belted Sand Wasp can lift and fly with paralyzed prey much heavier than itself, transporting it back to its burrow.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-35 mm
- Size
- 10-23 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-40 days
- Flight Speed
- 25 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults drink nectar for energy, but their young feast on paralyzed caterpillars stored in burrows.
Age differences: Adults primarily consume nectar, while larvae are fed paralyzed caterpillars by the mother.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- butterfly caterpillars
- moth caterpillars
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Large Yellow Underwing
Noctua pronuba
Larvae are paralyzed and stored as food for wasp young.
hunts
Small Tortoiseshell
Aglais urticae
Female wasps hunt their caterpillars for their developing young.
eaten by
European Bee-eater
Merops apiaster
Often preyed upon by bee-eaters that snatch them mid-air.
pollinates
Wild Carrot
Daucus carota
Visits flowers like wild carrot for nectar, aiding pollination.
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.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
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, watch it from a distance and don't bother it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red-belted Sand Wasp's wingspan?
15-35 mm
How big is Red-belted Sand Wasp?
10-23 mm
How long does Red-belted Sand Wasp live?
20-40 days
How fast can Red-belted Sand Wasp fly?
25 km/h
What does Red-belted Sand Wasp eat?
Adults drink nectar for energy, but their young feast on paralyzed caterpillars stored in burrows.
Where is Red-belted Sand Wasp usually found?
Sandy areas
How does Red-belted Sand Wasp hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Red-belted Sand Wasp have?
6
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