A new species of digger wasp has been discovered in Belgium, marking the first sighting of this insect in the country, announced the nature conservation organisation Natuurpunt in a press release on Monday.
In Belgium, there are currently 198 known species of digger wasps – which are officially known as a Sphex wasp In June, Natuurpunt added the newly identified Nysson distinguendus to this list.
This species belongs to the parasitic digger wasps group, likely laying its eggs in the nests of other digger wasp species. The offspring feed on the host’s stored food. These wasps are sometimes called “cuckoo wasps”.
Digger wasps are highly beneficial insects, according to Natuurpunt, as they maintain natural balance by killing other insects to provision their nests for their young. Many species target aphids, while others prefer flies, beetiles or caterpillars.
Their nesting behaviour is similar to that of wild bees. Most species nest underground, favouring open soil areas, while a smaller number nest above ground in dead wood. Digger wasps inhabit a variety of environments, though most prefer warmer, drier locations.
