Bee Wolf

Philanthus triangulum

Description

Body length 8 - 17mm. A black and yellow wasp, with a white face.

Habitat

Sandy soils where it makes its burrows and fills them with honey bees for its larvae to feed on.

Status and distribution

Once a rare insect, it is now expanding its range and is local in southern England. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire but regular at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

July to September.

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - male - July 29th 2012

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - male - July 29th 2012

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - male - July 29th 2012

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - female - August 15th 2013

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - female - August 15th 2013

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - female - August 15th 2013

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - August 19th 2018

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - female - August 19th 2018

  • Bee-wolf - Philanthus triangulum - female - August 19th 2018