Sand Tailed Digger Wasp - Cerceris arenaria

A large species similar in size and markings to the Bee Wolf (Philanthus triangulum).

This wasp is associated with sandy soils and frequents inland heaths and commons. It can also be found on the coast especially around dunes and landslips.

Active from the end of June or early July until mid to late August.

The prey species are various weevils. Nests are deep burrows dug in the soil, from which side-tunnels radiate leading to cells at depths of 20 to 25 cm. In sandy areas, dense aggregations containing thousands of nests may form. Each cell is provisioned with 3 to 14 weevils, the number depending on prey size and sex of offspring.

A locally common and very widely distributed species throughout much of southern Britain.

First record for Leicestershire and Rutland came from Bradgate Park in 2014.