🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Field Digger Wasp

Mellinus arvensis

About Field Digger Wasp

A yellow and black wasp that nests in sandy soil and provisions each cell with paralyzed hoverflies.

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Did You Know?

Digs a nest burrow in bare sandy soil and stocks each cell with 5-8 precisely paralyzed hoverflies.

How to Identify Field Digger Wasp

Field Digger Wasp (Mellinus arvensis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Crabronidae. Adults typically measure 10-14mm.

Field Digger Wasp Habitat

Field Digger Wasp is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Field Digger Wasp Diet and Feeding

Field Digger Wasp is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Field Digger Wasp Found?

Field Digger Wasp can be found in Europe, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Field Digger Wasp can be found

Is Field Digger Wasp Dangerous?

Field Digger Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Field Digger Wasp Role in Nature

Field Digger Wasp serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Field Digger Wasp

What does Field Digger Wasp look like?

The Field Digger Wasp typically measures 10-14mm.

Where is Field Digger Wasp found?

The Field Digger Wasp is found in Europe and typically inhabits heathland environments.

What does Field Digger Wasp eat?

The Field Digger Wasp is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Field Digger Wasp dangerous to humans?

The Field Digger Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Field Digger Wasp?

Digs a nest burrow in bare sandy soil and stocks each cell with 5-8 precisely paralyzed hoverflies.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Field Digger Wasp (Mellinus arvensis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/field-digger-wasp

MLA:
"Field Digger Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/field-digger-wasp.