Digger Wasp with Prey
When we had the patio repointed, we had a mining bee living under the edge of the raised lawn so asked the chap to leave a hole.
The bee has long gone but a colony of Digger Wasps (Ectemnius Lituratis) have moved in - they're normally solitary but are known to share a nest entrance but with their own brood chambers. This summer they spent a few days loading up on paralysed flies for the larvae to feed on.
I spent a few evenings with the camera slung low to the ground and a large reflector to light the area. Fortunately, this species are harmless and only sting to subdue their prey and were more than happy with my presence there.
First Place
#WexMondays, w/b 29th June 2020
Winner
#FSPrintMonday, w/b 29th June 2020
Shortlisted in 'Flies, Bees, Wasps & Dragonflies'
Luminar Bug Photography Awards 2020