European tube wasp Ancistrocerus gazella

Photo of European tube wasp (Ancistrocerus gazella)

(c) strewick, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderAnts, Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies (Hymenoptera)
FamilyHornets, Paper Wasps, Potter Wasps, and Allies (Vespidae)
GenusAncistrocerus (Ancistrocerus)

This mud-nesting potter wasp is a dedicated provisioner: the female captures up to 20 caterpillars and seals them in a single mud cell to create a custom-built larder. Her offspring hatch inside and have a guaranteed food supply as they develop. As adults, they switch to nectar and honeydew. Surprisingly, males can't sting at all, and the female's sting is gentleβ€”you'd barely notice if she stung you. They commonly nest in small crevices and holes around buildings.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

Play Now