Field Digger Wasp

Field Digger Wasp (Mellinus arvensis)

This female Field Digger Wasp was found on a track above Goytre. On one side of the track there was fair amount of erosion of the bank which had exposed a lot of bare soil, perfect nesting conditions. The bank was North facing and in the shade but an interesting fact about this digger wasp is that it much more readily makes nests in shaded areas than other digger wasp species and it also has an ability to remain active at lower temperatures. It follows that this wasp can be found flying late in the year sometimes into November.