The beewolf (genus Philanthus) is a solitary wasp belonging to the family Crabronidae, known for preying on bees. Beewolves rarely sting people and only do so in defense. As solitary wasps, they lack the colony-defense instincts of social wasps, making them extremely non-aggressive toward humans.
Identifying the Beewolf
Beewolves are medium to large wasps, typically measuring between 0.47 and 0.7 inches (12 to 17 mm) long. Many species, such as the European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum), display a distinct black and yellow coloration on their abdomen. This appearance, which includes a yellow face and black stripes, often leads to confusion with bees or social wasps.
Distinguishing features include the female’s stout body and the male’s elaborate facial markings. Beewolf antennae are also noticeably thick, unlike those of many bees. These wasps are primarily ground-nesting insects, with females digging extensive burrows in sandy soil, gravel, or dirt paths. The main tunnel of these nests can extend up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) into the ground, containing multiple side chambers.
The Beewolf’s Sting and Human Interaction
Beewolves do not possess the aggressive, hive-defending behavior found in social wasps like yellowjackets. They are not motivated to attack or swarm in defense of a large colony, which significantly reduces the risk of stinging humans. A sting occurs almost exclusively as a defensive reaction when the wasp feels directly threatened or physically constrained.
Stings usually happen if a person accidentally grabs or steps on a female beewolf near her nest. The sting is considered mild and localized, causing a painful but rarely severe reaction. Unlike honeybees, the female does not lose her stinger and can sting multiple times, though this is uncommon defensively. Simple home care, such as cleaning the area and applying a cold compress, is usually sufficient.
Hunting Strategy and Prey Selection
The female beewolf’s potent venom is reserved almost entirely for her specialized hunting practice, which provisions her young. The sting apparatus functions as an instrument of predation, not aggression toward large mammals. These wasps specialize in hunting other bee species; the European beewolf, for instance, focuses almost exclusively on the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera).
The female captures prey, which can include honeybees, sweat bees, or other solitary bees, and delivers a precise sting to paralyze it. The venom induces non-lethal paralysis by targeting the nervous system rather than killing the victim. The paralyzed, living bee is then dragged back to the underground burrow and placed in a brood chamber. This method ensures the larva has a fresh, preserved food source to consume as it develops.