Podalonia hirsuta explained

Podalonia hirsuta is a species of parasitoidal wasps in the family Sphecidae.[1] [2]

Subspecies

Description

Podalonia hirsuta is similar to the sand wasps (Ammophila). It has a big black head, a black thorax, with a threadlike waist (petiole). The abdomen is black with a red-orange large band.

The females make their nests digging a burrow in a sandy area. The preys are generally large, hairless caterpillars of moths (Noctuidae). In the paralysed caterpillars they lay their eggs.[3]

Flight period extends from late March to mid-September in females, while males fly from June to September.[3]

Distribution and habitat

This species is present in most of Europe.[4] This mainly coastal species commonly can be found in sandy soils.[3]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id70065/ Biolib
  2. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=769664 ITIS
  3. http://www.bwars.com/index.php?q=wasp/sphecidae/podalonia-hirsuta Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society
  4. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924053734/http://www.faunaeur.org/full_results.php?id=196179 Fauna europaea