Homemaker, Video Version - TNY_0415

The hairy sand wasp (Podalonia hirsuta hunt, sting and paralyze moth caterpillars, which are then deposited in a burrow along with an egg.

 

When the egg hatches, the wasp larvae has access to fresh food in form of the moth caterpillar.

 

But first you need to dig a burrow which is what this female is doing. Apologies for the motorcycle passing at the start of the clip, but I decided to keep the audio in as you can hear how she buzzes her wings when reaching in to dig, presumably for some extra leverage.

 

For a macro photo of her, have a look here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52668811663/

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Uploaded on February 4, 2023
Taken on April 20, 2021