Taxonomy
Tachysphex pompiliformis
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 5-7mm
- Black head and thorax
- Partially red pointed abdomen with black tip
- Males without white facial spots, although pale reflections can be seen at certain angles
- Females in particular can be confused with Drudella pinguis or several of the spider-hunting wasps (Pompilidae). The use of a microscope and specialist keys are required for accurate identification
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of sandy habitats, such as coastal dunes, soft rock cliffs, coastal heath, quarries and brownfield sites.
Flight period
Flies from late May until August.
Nesting biology
This species nest singly in burrows constructed in sandy areas with a sunny sheltered aspect. The burrows are typically several centimetres deep with one or more cells constructed. The cells are deposited with paralysed grasshopper nymphs and the female will lay a single egg in each one. The wasp larvae then hatch and feed on the grasshopper nymphs before pupating and emerging as adults the following year.
Flowers visited
Occasionally observed feeding on flowers such as Wild Carrot (Daucos carota).
Native region
Europe, North America, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Dryudella pinguis and several Pompilid wasps (see above)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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How can you help
Surveying for this species and submitting your sightings to the NBDC is the best way to contribute to the understanding of this species' distribution and abundance in Ireland. It is fairly widespread across the east of the island but is under-recorded.
References
Publications
Stelfox, A. W. (1924). A List of the Hymenoptera Aculeata (Sensu Lato) of Ireland. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Section B: Biological, Geological, and Chemical Science, 37, 201–vi. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20490329