Wasp nest beetle of the wedge-shaped beetle (Ripiphoridae) family is found in most parts of the United Kingdom though not in abundance in Scotland and Britain. They seem to be the common wasp’s parasitoid, with the larva mostly found in the wasp’s nest, hence the name.
Size: 10 mm (0.39 inches)
Color: They have a dark brownish head and body with orange elytra.
Other Characteristic Features: They have narrowly pointed elytra and feathery antennae.
In their first instar, the larva clings on to the V. vulgaris species to be taken to its nest. On reaching there, it parasitizes upon the latter. It spends the remaining part of its life there until it becomes an adult.
The pupal stage takes place within the wasp’s nest, and the span between the larval and adult stage is approximately one month.
The eggs laid in autumn in the decayed woods mostly hatches during spring or summer.
| Lifespan | 6 – 12 days |
| Distribution | Most parts of the United Kingdom |
| Habitat | Wasp nests that could be underground, in gardens, or even on the roof |
| Common Predators | Birds |
| Seasons active from | Late July – early October |
| Diet of larvae and adults | Larva: Mostly wasps; Adult: Does not feed |
Image Source: animal.photos, warehouse1.indicia.org.uk, warehouse1.indicia.org.uk, farm66.static.flickr.com
Wasp nest beetle of the wedge-shaped beetle (Ripiphoridae) family is found in most parts of the United Kingdom though not in abundance in Scotland and Britain. They seem to be the common wasp’s parasitoid, with the larva mostly found in the wasp’s nest, hence the name.
Size: 10 mm (0.39 inches)
Color: They have a dark brownish head and body with orange elytra.
Other Characteristic Features: They have narrowly pointed elytra and feathery antennae.
In their first instar, the larva clings on to the V. vulgaris species to be taken to its nest. On reaching there, it parasitizes upon the latter. It spends the remaining part of its life there until it becomes an adult.
The pupal stage takes place within the wasp’s nest, and the span between the larval and adult stage is approximately one month.
The eggs laid in autumn in the decayed woods mostly hatches during spring or summer.
| Lifespan | 6 – 12 days |
| Distribution | Most parts of the United Kingdom |
| Habitat | Wasp nests that could be underground, in gardens, or even on the roof |
| Common Predators | Birds |
| Seasons active from | Late July – early October |
| Diet of larvae and adults | Larva: Mostly wasps; Adult: Does not feed |
Image Source: animal.photos, warehouse1.indicia.org.uk, warehouse1.indicia.org.uk, farm66.static.flickr.com
