Beewolves Philanthus spp.
Description:
Medium-sized wasps measuring between 25–30mm, resembling bees with bright yellow abdomens and legs. They have a broad head, large dark red eyes, and a mainly black thorax with yellow markings.
Habitat:
Woodlands, savannas, and gardens.
Biology:
As their name suggests, beewolves prey on honeybees and other solitary bee species. They are ambush predators, sometimes mimicking the flight of bees around flowers and hunting them when they approach. Their nests are burrows built underground, stocked with paralyzed honeybees, where the developing larvae feed on them. Adult wasps also feed on flowers, where they can be commonly observed.
