Taxonomy
Mellinus arvensis
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 8-12mm
- Head black in colour and squarish in shape
- Pronotal collar and scutellum yellow, the remainder of the thorax is black
- Abdomen narrow with black and yellow bands
- Legs partly yellow
- Could be confused with Ectemnius, Crabro or Crossocerus species, but it lacks the shiny clypeus (lower face) hairs
Habitat
Found in a wide range of habitats, but particularly sand dunes, brownfield sites and other sites with sandy soil.
Flight period
Flies in a single generation from June-early October, peaking in August.
Nesting biology
Nests are constructed solitarily in partially consolidated sand, particularly in south-facing sheltered sites, even in shaded areas. Several cells are constructed in each burrow, in which the female will deposit several flies. She will then lay an egg in each cell and the developing wasp larva will feed on the deposited flies before emerging as an adult the following year.
Flowers visited
Both sexes have been observed feeding visiting Wild Carrot (Daucus carota).
Similar species
- Other digger wasp species (see above)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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