Taxonomy
Dryudella pinguis
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 6-8mm
- Head and thorax black, abdomen partially red with a black tip
- Male with large eyes which touch at the top of the head
- Male with small white spots on the face
- Females in particular could be confused with other species such as Tachysphex pompiliformis. The use of a microscope and specialist keys are necessary for reliable identification in most cases
Habitat
Bare sandy areas, such as coastal dunes and sandy heathland on the eastern coast.
Flight period
In Ireland it is known from June and July. It possibly flies from May-August as it does in Britain.
Nesting biology
This species nests solitarily in bare sandy slopes with a sheltered, sunny aspect. The female constructs a burrow in which she digs several cells. Each cell is provisioned with nymphs of several species of true bugs (Heteroptera) and an egg is then laid. The wasp larvae will emerge from the egg and feed on the bug nymphs before pupating and emerging as an adult the following year.
Flowers visited
This species has not been observed on flowers in Ireland.
Native region
Europe, North America, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Tachysphex pompiliformis (see above)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2023
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How can you help
This species is under-recorded in Ireland. Surveying suitable sandy locations would be beneficial for establishing trends in the distribution and abundance of this species.
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