Field Digger Wasp - Mellinus arvensis

Length: 12mm. This is a fairly large and elongate digger wasp. The first two yellow bands on the abdomen are usually strongly marked. There is a yellow line across the front of the thorax and a yellow dot at the rear.

Sandy localities, frequently coastal.

June to September.

This wasp stocks its nest chamber with adult Diptera for the larvae to feed on. Muscidae, Syrphidae and Tabanidae are the preferred choices.

Common and widespread.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

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