Podalonia hirsuta is a species of parasitoidal wasps in the family Sphecidae.[1] [2]
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]
This species is present in most of Europe.[4] This mainly coastal species commonly can be found in sandy soils.[3]