Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Humped beewolf

Humped beewolf

Philanthus gibbosus

A species of Beewolves

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Humped beewolf sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Humped beewolf
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Humped beewolf
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
coastal area; deciduous forest
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honey, small insects, plant exudates
Larva Food Source
Honey bees, apis mellifera, other bee species
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Humped beewolf has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Humped beewolf can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Appearance of Humped beewolf
P. gibbosus is a small and robust wasp that is about 10–12 mm in length. P. gibbosus has an especially broad head and a coat of chitin that is shiny black with yellow spots on the head and yellow stripes on the abdomen and thorax. There are very large, deep punctures on the abdomen of P. gibbosus, making the species easy and distinct to identify in comparison to other members of the genus Philanthus.Females While the general range of P. gibbosus size is 10–12 mm in length, females are usually closer to the smaller end of the scale. Female P. gibbosus have more yellow coloration on the head than do the males of the species.Males The males of P. gibbosus resemble the females very closely, but the most notable difference is the significantly reduced presence of yellow spots on the head. This is opposite of the usual pattern observed within the order Hymenoptera. Most commonly, the males in hymenopteran species have an excess of yellow spots on the head while females lack spots.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Humped beewolf?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Humped beewolf
Egg The egg of humped beewolf is minuscule, often deposited in sheltered locations near or within a food source. It is an immobile phase, where the primary focus is growth and development into the larval form.
Larva The larva of humped beewolf appears worm-like, with a voracious appetite. It lacks wings and has a soft exoskeleton, typically undergoing several molts as it increases in size.
Pupal In the pupal stage, humped beewolf is encased in a pupa and undergoes remarkable transformation. The insect is inactive externally, but inside drastic changes occur as it develops its adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult humped beewolf’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Humped beewolf
1 - 1.8 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Humped beewolf Larvae
Ants, other predatory wasps, spiders, birds
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Humped beewolf
Birds, spiders, praying mantises, other wasps
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Humped beewolf
Adult humped beewolf have a unique diet of nectar and are known as 'beewolves' for their hunting strategy of paralyzing bees to feed their offspring.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Humped beewolf
Tips for Finding Humped beewolf
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Humped beewolf
Deserts and Arid Regions, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Humped beewolf Through Different Life Stages
The adult humped beewolf are often spotted on sandy soils where they hunt bees, their primary food source. Females can be found excavating nests in well-drained, loose soil, commonly in sunny, bare, or sparsely vegetated areas that facilitate burrowing and nest establishment. The larvae reside within underground cells provisioned with paralyzed bees provided by the female. To search for the larvae, one would carefully dig in areas adjacent to where adults are seen foraging, taking caution not to disturb the nests unduly. Pupae are generally located in similar subterranean nests, where a detailed, methodical search can yield sightings during the transformation period prior to adult emergence.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Humped beewolf
The suitable time to find adult humped beewolf is typically during the daytime, especially on sunny and warm days when they are most active. For immature stages, time may be less critical, as they will likely be in nests or underground.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Humped beewolf
Mild to warm weather conditions without rain are most suitable for finding humped beewolf, as these conditions are favorable for their activity and when prey is abundant.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Humped beewolf at Different Life Stages
Adult Humped beewolf adults are often found near sandy or loose soil where they build their nests. To observe them, one can look for these environments, especially where there are flowering plants nearby.
Larva Humped beewolf larvae reside within the nest chambers created by the adult female. Locating larval humped beewolf typically involves the careful excavation of nests in the sand or loose soil, which should be done with consideration for preserving the nest structure and with proper permits if required for scientific research.
Pupal Pupae of humped beewolf are also found inside the nests. Similar to the larval stage, they require nest excavation, and observation should be done with care to avoid disturbance or harm to the pupae.
Are Humped beewolf harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

The humped beewolf can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

Rectangle

Are Humped beewolf harmful to humans?

Although the humped beewolf huge, it is not offensive to humans. When attacked, they will choose to fly away rather than fight back. If they are completely irritated, they may sting. In addition, they have the ability to bite, because the jaw is large (but usually not bite).
Harmful Effects of Humped beewolf
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Human Stinging
Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

Humped beewolf employs its sting as a defense mechanism, injecting a mild venom that can cause varying reactions across different species. Humans and other mammals like dogs, cats, and horses might experience discomfort or allergic reactions. Smaller creatures, such as bees and beetles, might face more severe effects due to their size and biological susceptibility to the toxins. The adults of humped beewolf are the ones capable of delivering this sting, emphasizing its role in protection rather than predatory behavior.

Rectangle
Does the Humped beewolf sting humans?

Humped beewolf does not typically sting humans; it predates on bees and is not aggressive toward humans. In general, female hymenopterans may sting, but humped beewolf uses its stinger primarily to subdue prey. Encounters with humans are rare and stings to humans are either incidental or defensive, with minimal harm inflicted.

More Effects of Humped beewolf

Beneficial Effects of Humped beewolf
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Offspring
Humped beewolf is a specialized hunter, preying primarily on bees, which it captures to feed its larvae. Adults may hunt for bees, paralyzing them with a sting before carrying them back to their nests. This insect's role in controlling bee populations is a unique aspect of its predatory behavior, showcasing nature's intricate predator-prey dynamics.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow