Digger Wasp (Ectemnius)

We had our patio repointed, but left a hole where we'd previously seen some mining bees. The bees never returned, but a group of digger wasps took up residence.

One afternoon, I spotted them carrying something into the nest hole, and on closer inspection they turned out to be large flies. I understand that these are only paralysed so they remain fresh - they'll lay their eggs on them which hatch and devour the fly.

Digger Wasp with Prey - © Kieran Metcalfe BdrSig.jpg

This is the setup used:
Canon 80D with EF 100mm Macro USM Lens
Slung underneath a 3 Legged Thing Billy tripod
Large reflector to bounce more light into the scene

20200623_193528.jpg

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