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Sand Wasp (Bembix spp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Sand Wasp


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Non-aggressive and beneficial, Sand Wasps are experts at digging in the loose substrate to build nests.



Updated: 03/26/2024; Authored By ; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
A long, tubular abdomen and wide yellow bands are helpful features in distinguishing Sand Wasps from other wasps. Sand Wasps are not aggressive and really only sting if they are stepped on. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Sand Wasps may use humans as bait, hovering nearby in order to seize a fly interested in human sweat or food. A Sand Wasp may seem aggressive by flying close to one's face, but its focus is to attack a nearby fly, not the human.

Loose, sandy soil can be found across the continent and it makes for prime nesting locations, so Sand Wasps can be found inland as well as at beachfronts and dunes. Females are adept at rapid digging and create short tunnels to house eggs. After filling the nest with eggs, the female hunts for flies, which will serve as food for her larvae. Sand Wasps are helpful in controlling fly populations, taking Deer Flies and other pest flies. Successfully identifying a Sand Wasp allows you to relax and take advantage of a great ally at your next picnic or outing.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Sand-Wasp



flies
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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Striped or banded insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Hymenoptera
        Family: Crabronidae
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          Genus: Bembix
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            Species: spp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Bembix spp.
Category: Bee, Ant, Wasp and Similar
Size (Adult; Length): 15mm to 18mm (0.59" to 0.70")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: black; yellow; white; pale green
Descriptors: pale bands; fuzzy head and thorax; flower; flying; curvy; digging


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 15mm (0.6in) and 18mm (0.7in)
Lo: 15mm
Md: 16.5mm
Hi: 18mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
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Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Sand Wasp may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Sand Wasp. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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