Sand wasps
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© Jiri Lochman/Lochman Transparencies
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Bembix
- Family
- Sphecidae
- Super Family
- Sphecoidea
- Suborder
- Apocrita
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 2 cm
Introduction
The sand wasps are closely related to the Mud-dauber Wasp but, unlike their cousins, sand wasps nest in the ground.
Habitat
Sand wasps live in urban areas, forests and woodlands, and heath.
Distribution
Sand wasps are found throughout Australia.
Feeding and diet
Adult sand wasps feed on nectar but most hunt for flies to feed to the larvae in the nest. They are excellent hunters, capturing flies on the wing, paralysing them with venom in mid-air and carrying them back to the waiting larvae.
Other behaviours and adaptations
Although sand wasps may nest in a group, they do not share labour like true social insects unless the nest needs defending, in which case they may attack as a swarm.
Danger to humans
Sand wasps can deliver painful stings, but are not as aggressive as the European Wasp. They normally only attack humans if their nest is disturbed. An ice pack may be used to relieve the pain of the sting. If there is evidence of an allergic reaction, medical attention should be sought.
