Species Insects & ArthropodsSand Wasp

Sand Wasp

Bembix americana

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Sand Wasp (Bembix americana)

The Sand Wasp (Bembix americana) is a stout black-and-yellow wasp that nests in open sandy areas and specializes in catching flies to provision its nest. Unlike most wasps, it provides fresh, living prey progressively as larvae grow rather than stocking the nest all at once. Large nesting aggregations can be found in sandy beaches, dunes, and sandy roadsides.

Habitat
Sandy beaches, dunes, and open sandy soils
Diet
Adults: flower nectar. Larvae: fresh flies provided progressively
How common
Common

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