Ammophila sabulosa?

JoanE007 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2011, 08:18 PM

I have plumped for that id purely based on the fact that there is a picture in my book of that wasp carrying a caterpillar similar to which I saw earlier today

Here it is

Can someone confirm whether it is that wasp or not? I read that these and similar wasps keep nest burrows stocked with caterpillars.

Is it possible to ID the caterpillar?

Here is another picture - not very sharp - they are quick movers

Many thanks.

Edited to say that it was seen on sandy heathland in South Surrey

Bruce Williams · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2011, 10:37 PM

Hi Joan,

Well I'm fairly confident that it is a wasp and (although not a confirmation of your id) the specific name "sabulosa" means "lives in sandy places" so that does tie in with your location.

Oh...and it does look just like Ammophila sabulosa too.

Now you need to wait for one of the real experts to (hopefully) give you a definite id.

Bruce

Matt Smith · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2011, 10:51 PM

It's probably A.sabulosa because of the faint metallic blue-purple "bloom" on the abdomen that I can see, but I would prefer a good look a the wing veings to be 100% sure.

JoanE007 · #4 (**permalink**) 13-08-2011, 08:51 PM

Thank you both for your comments. I didn't know sabulosa meant that Bruce - thank you.

Matt - I'm afraid those were the "best" shots I got but I shall be looking out for them again - not seen them before.

Thank you