Digger Wasp Collection

Hoverfly, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999714 Hoverfly, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

Four-spotted Digger Wasp (Crossocerus quadrimaculatus) adult, resting on leaf, Norfolk, England, August

European beewolf C014 / 2567
European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum) feeding on a flower. The adult of this wasp is herbivorous. However, the larvae feed on western honey bees that have been caught

Sphecidae sp. digger wasp
Shown here is a fossilized wing of a digger wasp. This specimen is around about 130 million years old and originates from the Cretaceous rock of Surrey, England

Sand Wasp (Sphex albisectus) adult female, digging nesting burrow, Chaine des Alpilles, Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence, France, June

INSECTS: WASPS. Female field digger wasp (Mellinus arvensis)

INSECTS: WASPS. Male digger wasp (Astata boops)

Sand Digger Wasp (Ammophila pubescens) adult, backfilling nesting chamber, England

Digger wasp, SEM
Digger wasp. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a digger wasp (Sphex sp.). Digger wasps are solitary insects that dig their nests in the ground

Compound eye of wasp, SEM
Compound eye of wasp, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This is the eye of a digger wasp (family: Sphecidae). The eye consists of hundreds of individual structures called ommatidia

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

The digger wasp, also known as the sand wasp or field digger wasp, is a fascinating insect that belongs to the Sphecidae family. These remarkable creatures can be found in various parts of the world, including Norfolk, England and Chaine des Alpilles in Bouches-du-Rhone. One captivating image showcases a hoverfly from 1833-39 in a beautifully colored engraving. Another photograph captures a four-spotted digger wasp resting on a leaf in Norfolk during August. The vibrant colors of its wings and body are truly mesmerizing. In another scene from Norfolk, we witness an adult female common sand wasp alongside an adorable European rabbit. It's intriguing how these two species coexist peacefully in their natural habitat. Speaking of which, another snapshot displays this same female common sand wasp amidst several European rabbits. It's incredible to see how these insects interact with larger animals without any conflict. Moving on to the Sand Wasp species Sphex albisectus, we encounter some astonishing behaviors captured through photographs. One image shows an adult female dragging her paralyzed grasshopper prey into her nesting burrow—a testament to their hunting skills and resourcefulness. Another photo depicts this same Sand Wasp filling her nesting burrow with small stones—an intricate process that ensures protection for her offspring once they hatch. Witnessing such meticulous behavior reminds us of the intelligence present within nature's smallest creatures. A stunning close-up shot reveals an adult female Sand Wasp digging her nesting burrow diligently—showcasing both strength and determination as she creates a safe haven for future generations. Not only do we explore different species of digger wasps but also encounter other members of the Sphecidae family like Astata boops (male) and Mellinus arvensis (female). Each has its unique characteristics that contribute to the diversity within this group of insects.