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.
Thread-waisted Wasp
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.
de Wets Wild 
Arme wurms… eina pyn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ek dink om lewendig opgevreet te raak is nog erger as die steek!
LikeLike
What a wonderful sequence of photographs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is comparable to watching a large predator stalking its prey – you dare not blink for fear of missing out on the action!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much drama!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wat n wonderlike ervaring, Petru! Wys net weer dat die natuur vol wonders is as ons maar net kyk.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes I find the smallest creatures the most amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do too, Alanna – they deserve far more attention, not least because most of them are vital to ensuring the health of our planet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She did a good job carrying that grub.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, Tracy – the dedication with which she works is amazing to watch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great captures, Dries. I think you have a lot of patience. 👏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very kind of you, Sylvia, but that is unfortunately only true in certain circumstances! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person