Sand Wasp; Avispa de la Arena

Description:

B. rostrata displays distinctive behaviour in front of its nest, digging its burrows with fast, synchronised movements of its forelegs. In addition, the insect can turn very rapidly about its own axis, the flapping of its wings as it does this producing a buzzing sound reminiscent of a gyroscope. Its size (15–24 mm), striking yellow and black-striped abdomen and the labrum, extended into a narrow beak, are distinctive features. Bembix are stout Crabronid wasps, which do not have such an obvious petiole ("waist"). It is a powerfully built wasp, dark with light yellow stripes and markings. Their eyes are unusually large and somewhat reminiscent of flies (which incidentally are their main prey). They dig burrows in the ground, and are difficult to approach. They are skilled and swift fliers, being able to hover and fly at top speed. When digging their burrows, they are quite nervous and abandon the site if approached; they start a new burrow a distance away. They appear to have very keen eyesight and react to the slightest movement.

Habitat:

Sandy coastal dunes.

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/800 sec.; f/14; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. No flash fired