Red-bearded fan wasp?

kml · #1 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 09:12 AM

My daughter had an insect on her face yesterday, when it was removed it stung her.We looked at the book and it looks to be a red-bearded fan wasp (Ammophila sabulosa) I was wondering if anyone how common they are, if it is likely to happen again and how much venom they carry compared to the more common wasps.The reason I ask is she is allergic and is always helpful to know just what to avoid.

eucera · #2 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 09:52 AM

I am really sorry that your daughter has been stung, and I shall do my best to answer your questions.

Firstly (on a rather trivial matter) I am completely staggered at the amazing English Name for this wasp! - I've heard some bizarre ones over the years but this one really takes the biscuit. If you hadn't included the scientific name I wouldn't have had the faintest clue as to what you were referring. I have been studying bees and wasps for 21 years now and I am at a complete loss as to understand how this name could have arisen. The name would seem to be descriptive... but, to my knowledge, it describes neither behaviour nor appearance of A. sabulosa!

Some reassurance (partial): A. sabulosa is a species that is on the wing from June to August, and is quite unlikely to be flying at this time of year. It hunts for moth caterpillars in low growing vegetation and is a somewhat reluctant flier. I suspect that your daughter's assailant was something else. You can check the range by looking at: Distribution Maps

As far as venom goes - I am not sure anyone has assayed either the composition or the amounts. Getting stung by solitary wasps is a rare occurrence (far rarer than getting stung by a social wasp, honey bees or the taxman).

I hope this offers some help

Best wishes

oxycera · #3 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 09:53 AM

Very unlikely to be Ammophila, I think; a bit early in the year and besides, they just don't do that sort of thing, as far as I am aware.
More likely to be some sort of ichneumon which may possibly sting. Probably somebody will enlighten you on that one. Hope she's OK.

kml · #4 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 05:03 PM

Thankyou both for your replies, looking at the map we are in a very red area.We had a good look at other possibilities but with the insect to hand it doesn`t look like any of the others.It only stang whilst my eldest was getting it off her,sounds like she has been very unlucky.She`s fine after her large dose of medicine she was okay.Fingers crossed it will be her last sting for a while.

eucera · #5 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 05:35 PM

Glad your daughter is recovering.

As you are probably aware, the total number of wasp species with red/black markings that could have caused this sting probably runs into hundreds - the chances of the offender being illustrated in a book are pretty remote. In my experience of wasps, I have never once seen a female Ammophila earlier than June (the sting would have to have been administered by a female as the males are not armed). The likelihood of either of our 2 Ammophila species being the culprit is exceptionally small.