Beewolf
Bee Wolf ( Philanthus triangulum )
Philanthus is a genus of wasps grave ( Spheciformes ) from the family Crabronidae. The genus includes about 135 species. In the Palearctic 28 species are widespread in Europe come to seven species, three in Central Europe.
Features
The species occurring in Europe are characterized by the slightly indented inner edges of the faceted eyes. In females, a well-developed Tarsalkamm is formed on the front legs, they have no Pygidialfeld.
Way of life
The females lay their nests in small or large groups in heat- favored sandy soils. This bald spots on the floor, in a slightly inclined or steep to vertical surfaces. At the end of a 10 to 100 -inch-long tube from one to several cells are created. The brood is supplied with different types of bees. So there are some species, such as the bee wolf ( Philanthus triangulum ) on the Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) are specialized, others like the American Philanthus bicinctus even chasing bumblebees. Rarely include wasps ( Vespidae ), Sphecidae, parasitic wasps ( Ichneumonidae ), Brackwespen ( Braconidae ) or gold wasps ( Chrysididae ) for prey spectrum. There are next to yield specific types but also those which are not specific, it was demonstrated prey consisting of 27 species from five families in Philanthus solivagus from Canada.
Species ( Europe)
- Philanthus coarctatus Spinola 1839
- Philanthus coronatus ( Thunberg 1784)
- Philanthus dufourii Lucas 1849
- Philanthus pulchellus Spinola 1843
- Philanthus sculpturatus Gayubo 1991
- Philanthus triangulum (Fabricius 1775)
- Philanthus venustus ( Rossi 1790)