BTB, Ectemnius continuus (Fabricius,1775)
Family: Crabronidae. (Digger wasps)
Is a species of the square-headed wasps, this is the largest of the two Ectemnius species found in the British Isles, being more common in the south but also found as far north as Fifeshire in Scotland. Also, widespread in Europe, most of Asia, Africa and North America.
When to see: Early May to late September, Peaking in the high summer months.
Habitat: Most frequently found near large pieces of dead wood, such as woodland edges, hedgerows, also where umbellifer flowers are growing.
Ectemnius species nests are found mainly in dead wood, like tree stumps, rotting logs and fallen branches. Will also burrow into harder wooden materials, such as building timber and posts, as they are able to burrow into it by using their strong mandibles. They will continue excavating several cells, one egg in each cell; all leading from the main tunnel. Even though E. continuus are solitary wasps, she maybe sharing the main common entrance with other female wasps.
The larvae are fed on many species of flies, (including hoverflies) these are taken to the nest and sealed for storage. Once hatched, the larvae will soon begin to feed on the captured flies, supplied by the female.