Field Digger Wasp - Mellinus arvensis

Length: 12mm. This is a fairly large and elongate digger wasp. The first two yellow bands on the abdomen are usually strongly marked. There is a yellow line across the front of the thorax and a yellow dot at the rear.

Females with good image(s) , Males

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field.  All red-rated records should include a photo or set of photos of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’).  The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings.  The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters.  Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future.   Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS’ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065021433202 .  If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’.

Sandy localities, frequently coastal.

June to September.

This wasp stocks its nest chamber with adult Diptera for the larvae to feed on. Muscidae, Syrphidae and Tabanidae are the preferred choices.

Common and widespread.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

BWARS: Mellinus arvensis