Digger Wasp (Ectemnius Lituratis) returning to the nest with a paralysed fly to feed to the brood.

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.

WEX Photo Video

First Place
#WexMondays, w/b 29th June 2020

Fotospeed

Winner
#FSPrintMonday, w/b 29th June 2020

Shortlisted in 'Flies, Bees, Wasps & Dragonflies'
Luminar Bug Photography Awards 2020