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.

Thread-waisted Wasp and prey at Marakele National Park

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp and caterpillar prey at Marakele

Thread-waisted Wasp closing up the nesting tunnel after depositing the caterpillar and laying the egg (at Marakele NP)

The Tembe sequence:

Thread-waisted Wasp preparing her larder

Thread-waisted Wasp preparing her larder

Thread-waisted Wasp flying off to capture her prey

Thread-waisted Wasp returning to the nest with a paralysed victim

Thread-waisted Wasp closing up the nest-burrow

Thread-waisted Wasp closing up the nest-burrow

Thread-waisted Wasp closing up the nest-burrow

Unlike the larvae, adult Thread-waisted Wasps feed on nectar. They measure 2-3cm in length.