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Red-banded sand wasp

Red-banded sand wasp

Ammophila sabulosa

A species of Thread-waisted wasps, Also known as Red-belted sand wasp

Ammophila sabulosa is a large (15–25 millimetres or 0.59–0.98 inches long) and striking solitary wasp with a very long narrow "waist" of two segments. The species can be told from A. pubescens (which is smaller, 12–20 mm or 0.47–0.79 in long) as the waist widens out very gradually into the "tail" of the abdomen. The pattern of the forewings also differs: the third submarginal cell makes broad contact with the cell to its front and the rear end of the abdomen has a faint metallic blue sheen. The whole body is black except for the front half of the "tail", which is orange.

General Info About Red-banded sand wasp
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Attributes of Red-banded sand wasp
Colors
Brown
Black
Orange
Habitat
Heathland; sandy area
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honeydew, plant sap, various sugary secretions
Larva Food Source
Lepidoptera larvae (caterpillars), coleoptera larvae (beetle grubs)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Red-banded sand wasp is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Red-banded sand wasp
Ammophila sabulosa is widely distributed across Eurasia with records from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Norway, Sweden and Finland, then ranging eastwards as far as the Russian Far East, with a very few records in India and Japan. It is also found in the southern half of Britain.
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Life Cycle of Red-banded sand wasp
Egg During the egg stage, the red-banded sand wasp is an oval-shaped, stationary form that develops internally. It is often laid in close proximity to a food source.
Larva As larvae, the red-banded sand wasp dramatically differs from the adult, with a worm-like appearance and a primary focus on feeding and growth. The larva molts several times, increasing in size.
Pupal During pupation, the red-banded sand wasp is encased in a protective cocoon, undergoing significant internal transformation. Here, tissues are reorganized into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red-banded sand wasp’s development is marked by wing formation and the ability to reproduce. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the creature is notably mobile, focusing on reproduction and sometimes feeding.
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Predators of Red-banded sand wasp Larvae
Ants, beetles, spiders
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Predators of Adult Red-banded sand wasp
Birds, spiders, rodents, praying mantises
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Interesting Facts About Red-banded sand wasp
The red-banded sand wasp meticulously arranges stones around the entrance to its nest, creating a unique and intricate doorstep.
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Scientific Classification of Red-banded sand wasp
Tips for Finding Red-banded sand wasp
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Youth Habitat of Red-banded sand wasp
Sandy areas such as heathlands, coastal dunes, and sandy grasslands
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Adult Habitat of Red-banded sand wasp
Open and sunny habitats including heathlands, coastal dunes, sandy grasslands, and gardens
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Habitat Preferences of Red-banded sand wasp Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of red-banded sand wasp are commonly found in sand or loose soil where mated females excavate nesting burrows. Each larva resides in its individual cell provisioned with paralyzed insects, typically caterpillars. To look for these larvae, search in well-drained, sandy habitats, perhaps in areas with sparse vegetation. Adult red-banded sand wasp are typically found in meadows, gardens, and other open areas rich in flowering plants, where they feed on nectar and hunt for prey. Searching for adults involves scanning for them as they visit flowers or fly close to the ground looking for suitable nesting sites. Pupation occurs within the underground burrows, so inspecting sandy soil where mature larvae are known to develop can lead to finding pupae.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Red-banded sand wasp
The best time to search for red-banded sand wasp is usually during daylight hours, particularly in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are milder and the creature is most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Red-banded sand wasp
Dry and warm days are most suitable for finding red-banded sand wasp, as they avoid activity during rainy or cold weather conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Red-banded sand wasp at Different Life Stages
Adult Red-banded sand wasp adults are commonly seen during the day foraging or hunting. To find adult red-banded sand wasp, observe flowers, especially those with ample nectar, or look for them hovering near sandy areas where they may nest.
Larva Red-banded sand wasp larvae reside within the nests made by adult red-banded sand wasp in sandy soil. Locating these nests often involves looking for small entrance holes in well-drained, loose sand. Larval red-banded sand wasp can be found within by carefully excavating the nest with soft tools.
Pupal The red-banded sand wasp pupae develop within the underground nests built by adult red-banded sand wasp. To find red-banded sand wasp in the pupal stage, one would need to locate these nests. It is generally not recommended to disturb these nests, as it may harm the developing red-banded sand wasp.
Egg Red-banded sand wasp eggs are typically laid within the nests established in sandy soil. To find eggs, one should search for the nests of adult red-banded sand wasp, noting that eggs are very small and delicate, making them challenging and generally inadvisable to handle.
Are Red-banded sand wasp harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Red-banded sand wasp
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Red-banded sand wasp assists in plant pollination primarily through accidental contamination while feeding on nectar. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of flowers, red-banded sand wasp inadvertently collects pollen on its body and transfers it to other blooms, aiding in the reproductive process of plants.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Purpose
Feed Offspring
Diets
Caterpillars
Red-banded sand wasp is adept at hunting down caterpillars to provision their underground nests. During the larva stage, the young feed exclusively on the paralyzed, yet still living prey their mother has provided. This ensures that fresh food is available for the offspring, which is vital for their growth and development. The hunting technique of red-banded sand wasp is remarkable, showcasing the complex behaviors in the insect world.
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