Ammophila
We have about 18 species of the genus Ammophila in South Africa, and finding a female Thread-waisted Wasp from this genus on the hunt can be an absolutely engrossing experience. Before setting out, she digs a short tunnel in sandy soil, ending in a wider nest chamber. She then searches for caterpillars and other soft-bodied invertebrates, which once found are paralysed with a series of stings and then, depending on the size of the prize, is carried in flight or dragged along the ground back to the nest. One or more incapacitated victims are provided per nest, the female wasp laying a single egg on the first prey item stored in the nest. Once the larder has been sufficiently stocked to provide adequately in the needs of the larval wasp, the female closes it up with pebbles and grains of sand, taking great care to expertly hide the tunnel from view. She then starts the process all over again at a suitable nesting site elsewhere.
The two galleries below were taken at Marakele National Park and Tembe Elephant Park respectively, and show the fascinating process of a female wasp provisioning her offspring with a food store.
The Tembe sequence:
Unlike the larvae, adult Thread-waisted Wasps feed on nectar. They measure 2-3cm in length.
Arme wurms… eina pyn!
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Ek dink om lewendig opgevreet te raak is nog erger as die steek!
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What a wonderful sequence of photographs!
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Thank you, Anne!
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Interesting photos of an interesting process, Dries. I confess to finding these busy wasps engrossing to watch when one is lucky enough to find one making and provisioning such a nest chamber.
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It really is comparable to watching a large predator stalking its prey – you dare not blink for fear of missing out on the action!
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So much drama!
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So iets gesien hier. As ‘n wasp ‘n perdeby is in elk geval. Die’t ‘n klein nessie gemaak met modder op die voorste trap. Sit een dag op die trappie en hier kom dit aangevlieg met ‘n wurm, druk dit in die gaatjie bo wat oopgelos was vir die doel. Volgende dag is die gaatjie toegemaak met ‘n dekseltjie modder. Langs die kant van die moddernessie is drie gaatjies, al klaar toegemaak met modder waar die kleintjies kan uitkom. Dink ek wil my kamera om my nek begin hang vir sulke oomblikke.
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Wat n wonderlike ervaring, Petru! Wys net weer dat die natuur vol wonders is as ons maar net kyk.
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Sometimes I find the smallest creatures the most amazing!
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We do too, Alanna – they deserve far more attention, not least because most of them are vital to ensuring the health of our planet.
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When I think of Africa, I think of herds of elephants, giraffes, gazelles sweeping across the plains. I always enjoy that you take the time to show off God’s smaller creatures, birds, and even this relatively tiny wasp. You tell the true story of the Dark Continent.
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Thank you very much for your kind and encouraging words, John. It is true that this continent holds treasures far beyond the “big 5” and the other postcard cliches.
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She did a good job carrying that grub.
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Absolutely, Tracy – the dedication with which she works is amazing to watch.
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Great captures, Dries. I think you have a lot of patience. 👏🏻
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Very kind of you, Sylvia, but that is unfortunately only true in certain circumstances! 😀
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