Solitary Wasp Collection

Fen Mason Wasp (Odynerus simillimus) adult, taking prey to nest chamber, Sutton Fen RSPB Reserve, The Broads, Norfolk, England, July

Fen Mason Wasp (Odynerus simillimus) nest chimney, Sutton Fen RSPB Reserve, The Broads, Norfolk, England, July

European Potter Wasp (Ancistrocerus gazella) adult, resting on leaf, Oxfordshire, England, August

Mud dauber wasp C016 / 2290
Mud dauber wasp (Stizus continuus). Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build nests made of mud. Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Mammoth wasp C016 / 2195
Mammoth wasp. View of the upperside of a female mammoth wasp (Megascolia maculata flavifrons). This species of very large wasp is the largest in Europe

Mud dauber wasp C016 / 2291
Mud dauber wasp (Stizus continuus) with its wings spread. Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build nests made of mud. Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Mud dauber wasp C016 / 2161
Mud dauber wasp (Sceliphron sp.). Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build nests made of mud. Specimen obtained from the University of Valencia, Spain

Sand Wasp (Sphex albisectus) adult female, digging nesting burrow, Chaine des Alpilles, Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence, France, June

Mason Wasp (Ancistrocerus parietinus) adult male, feeding on Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) flower, Powys, Wales, june

Mason Wasp (Ancistrocerus parietinus) adult female, feeding on Yarrow (Achillea sp. ) flower, Powys, Wales, august
Mason Wasp (Ancistrocerus parietinus) adult female, feeding on Yarrow (Achillea sp.) flower, Powys, Wales, august

Solitary wasp carrying clod of earth for sealing nest entrance. Sam Knott Nature Reserve, nr Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
ASW-4725 Solitary wasp carrying clod of earth for sealing nest entrance Sam Knott Nature Reserve, nr Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Isodontia pelopoeiformis Alan J. S

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In the tranquil surroundings of Sutton Fen RSPB Reserve, a solitary wasp goes about its daily routine. Meet the Fen Mason Wasp (Odynerus simillimus), an extraordinary creature that showcases both strength and precision in its actions. With grace and determination, the adult wasp enters the nest chimney, skillfully dismantling it to seal off its chamber. This meticulous process ensures safety for its future offspring within the depths of Sutton Fen. The sight is awe-inspiring as this tiny insect exhibits remarkable construction skills. Carrying out its role as a provider, we witness another captivating moment as the Fen Mason Wasp captures prey and transports it back to the nest chamber. With each flight, it demonstrates agility and resourcefulness in securing sustenance for its young ones. The nest chimney itself stands tall amidst Norfolk's picturesque landscape at Sutton Fen RSPB Reserve. A testament to nature's architectural wonders, this structure serves as a sanctuary for generations of these fascinating wasps. While exploring other regions across England, we encounter different species of solitary wasps like the European Potter Wasp (Ancistrocerus gazella). Resting peacefully on a leaf in Oxfordshire during August, this elegant creature adds beauty to our natural world. Venturing further into Chaine des Alpilles in Bouches-du-Rhone, France, we come across Sand Wasps (Sphex albisectus) engaging in their own unique rituals. Witnessing these females with paralysed grasshopper prey showcases their strategic hunting techniques before dragging them into nesting burrows filled with small stones – truly an incredible display of adaptability and survival instincts. As our journey continues through various habitats around Europe, we also encounter Mud Dauber Wasps (C016 / 2290 & C016 / 2161) and Mammoth Wasps (C016 / 2195). Each one leaving us mesmerized by their distinctive characteristics and behaviors.