ONH

Beewolves

Philanthus gibbosus

Also see Philanthus crabroniformis.

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    1 - Beewolf, Philanthus gibbosus.

    07/24/2016 Port Williams Marlyn Nelson County Park Sequim, Washington

  • 3509
    2 - Beewolf, Philanthus gibbosus.

    07/24/2016 Port Williams Marlyn Nelson County Park Sequim, Washington

  • 4615
    3 - Beewolf, Philanthus gibbosus.

    07/24/2016 Port Williams Marlyn Nelson County Park Sequim, Washington

  • 8361
    4 - Beewolf, Philanthus gibbosus.

    07/24/2016 Port Williams Marlyn Nelson County Park Sequim, Washington

  • 8832
    5 - Beewolf, Philanthus gibbosus.

    07/24/2016 Port Williams Marlyn Nelson County Park Sequim, Washington

Beewolves, Philanthus sp., prey upon bees, especially sweat bees (Halictidae). Females capture bees, paralyze them with a sting and carry them to an underground nest. The female lays an egg on the first bee captured, then continues to provide live, paralyzed bees to the larva. Excavations extend several inches underground (in some species up to three feet). Sometimes Beewolves create nest holes in the same patch of sandy soil as the bees they prey upon. Adult Beewolves feed on flower nectar.