Mellinus arvensis

Field Digger Wasp

Mellinus arvensis, Field Digger Wasp, is a predator of insects, particularly flies. It nests in sunny bankings and takes paralysed prey into the nest. An egg is laid on the prey which provides food for the developing larva. Nests are in large groups, but each nest is independent.

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Male

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Mating pair

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Female with prey

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Female with prey

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Female with prey

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Nesting site

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Photograph detail

Slide 1: Mellinus arvensis, Field Digger Wasp. Male at nesting site. Banking of River Ure, Redmire. August.

Slide 2: Mellinus arvensis, Field Digger Wasp. Mating pair at nesting site. Male is the smaller insect. Banking of River Ure, Redmire. August.

Slide 3: Mellinus arvensis, Field Digger Wasp. Female with prey, a dung Fly. Field near River Ure, Redmire. August.

Slide 4: Mellinus arvensis, Field Digger Wasp. Female with prey at nesting site. River Ure banking, Redmire. August.

Slide 5: Mellinus arvensis, Field Digger Wasp. Female with prey at nesting site. River Ure banking, Redmire. August.

Slide 5: Mellinus arvensis, Field Digger Wasp. Nesting site. River Ure banking, Redmire. August.