Wasps — Batavia Coast and Midwest WAAcanthostethus sp Bembix spp Bembix vespiformis Bethylid Wasp Braconid Wasps Hatchet Wasps Velvet Ants

Bembix vespiformis is sometimes known as the Panda Sand Wasps (because of the black and white colour on the abdomen.

Sometimes they are mistaken for bees, as the white pattern near the waist, gives the appearance of a narrow waist. In addition, this species create nesting burrows in the ground, similar to some bee species.

The adults feed on nectar, whilst also catching flies to feed their young.

Bembix vespiformis, Geraldton, Midwest WA © Gary Taylor
Bembix vespiformis, Geraldton, Midwest WA © Gary Taylor
Bembix vespiformis, Geraldton, Midwest WA © Gary Taylor
Bembix vespiformis, Geraldton, Midwest WA © Gary Taylor
Bembix vespiformis, Geraldton, Midwest WA © Gary Taylor
Bembix vespiformis, Geraldton, Midwest WA © Gary Taylor

  • Scientific classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Subphylum: Hexapoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Informal: Pterygotes
  • Order: Hymenoptera
  • Superfamily: Apoidea
  • Informal: Spheciformes
  • Family: Crabronidae
  • Subfamily: Bembicinae
  • Genus: Bembix
  • Species: Bembix vespiformis

Footnote & References

  1. Photographs © Gary Taylor

Wasps — Batavia Coast and Midwest WAAcanthostethus sp Bembix spp Bembix vespiformis Bethylid Wasp Braconid Wasps Hatchet Wasps Velvet Ants

Insects — Batavia Coast and Midwest WANative Bees Wasps

Fauna — Batavia Coast and Midwest WAInsects

The Batavia Coast and Midwest WAFauna

Western AustraliaWestern Australia Fauna Western Australia Flora The Batavia Coast and Midwest WA Bungle Bungles – Purnululu National Park Great Southern WA South West WA Stirling Range National Park