Posted by LPCounter on 18-08-2009 18:25
#1
My first posting here :)
I have a Digger Wasp I can't identify, the prey it is carrying and a visitor to the nest entrance!
First the Wasp and it's prey (I'm not sure if the prey is different in both shots?) -
The Wasp is in close proximity to
Cerceris rybyensis and
Astata boops on several sites in North London.
This is the fly which prompted me to join this forum -
It was visiting entrances to this tiny wasp only - it didn't seem to be interested in
Cerceris rybyensis burrows at all. I only saw it disappear into a nest once where it stayed for afew minutes.
Many thanks in advance for any of the three id's,
Laurence
Edited by LPCounter on 18-08-2009 20:31
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 18-08-2009 18:32
#2
Metopia sp. (Miltogramminae) The wasps seems to be a Crabronidae.
Posted by pwalter on 18-08-2009 18:51
#3
Nice observation and photos, the prey I think is a chloropid fly.
Posted by LPCounter on 18-08-2009 19:46
#4
Thank you!
I had
Ectemnius sp as another possibility?
Is the Metopia fly a common parasitoid of these Digger Wasps?
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 18-08-2009 19:59
#5
no! Miltogramminae flies are kleptoparasites of solitary bees and wasps. I.e. they stole the food of the wasps. :)
Edited by jorgemotalmeida on 18-08-2009 21:06
Posted by Paul Beuk on 19-08-2009 07:04
#7
pwalter wrote:
Nice observation and photos, the prey I think is a chloropid fly.
Indeed.