Observations on the behaviour underground of Philanthus triangulum (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae)
Simon Thomas, RT.; Veenendaal, RL.
Entomologische Berichten (Amsterdam) 381: 3-8
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-8827 Accession: 000708912
The behaviour of P. triangulum was observed in a laboratory observation cage containing dry sandy soil. The female made a burrow at an angle of 25 deg to the horizontal. She then emerged from the burrow, usually closing the entrance with a sand plug, and hunted for honeybees. Upon returning with a paralysed prey she removed the plug whilst still holding the honeybee. The bee was dragged inside by the wasp's hindlegs and deposited halfway along the burrow.