Ammophila sp.

Hymenoptera: Sphecidae

Text by Ron Hemberger

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Ammophila captures and paralyzes caterpillars, lays eggs in them, then buries them in sand. When the eggs hatch and become larvae, they feed on the caterpillar.

In this series of photos from San Joaquin Marsh, the female is filling the hole, or burrow. After inspecting the jobsite, she selects and fits large pebbles to speed her work. The final step consists of pushing in sand, much the same way as a dog buries a bone. Once covered, the hole blends in perfectly with the surrounding soil.