David Element

 

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

 

________________________________________________________________ Hymenoptera 70 – Sand Wasps

 

 

 

A close up of a fly

Description automatically generated with low confidence

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A bug on the ground

Description automatically generated with low confidence

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A close up of a bug

Description automatically generated with low confidence

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A bee on the ground

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A picture containing insect

Description automatically generated

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A picture containing insect

Description automatically generated

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A group of ants on the ground

Description automatically generated with low confidence

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A picture containing rock, insect

Description automatically generated

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A picture containing rock, insect

Description automatically generated

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A picture containing insect, ground

Description automatically generated

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

A close up of a bug

Description automatically generated with low confidence

 

SAND WASP Prionyx kirbii (f) with ITALIAN LOCUST or COMMON PINCER GRASSHOPPER Calliptamus italiacus

 

·         The reproductive strategy of the female Sand Wasp Prionyx kirbii involves the paralysis of orthopteran prey, in this case an Italian Locust or Common Pincer Grasshopper Calliptamus italiacus. The unfortunate victim, much larger than the wasp, will then be dragged to a suitable location and buried in the sand, with the wasp ovipositing on the hapless grasshopper before she buries it, so that it may be eaten by the emerging larva. A rather horrible fate to human eyes, but a necessary part of the natural predator/prey balance that helps to control the population of insects that may potentially wreak havoc on crops. The photographs were taken in the South of France.

 

 

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