Digger wasps, also known as solitary wasps, primarily feed on nectar from flowers as adults. However, they are known for hunting and paralyzing other insects or spiders to provide food for their larvae.
Nectar: Adult digger wasps consume nectar from flowers for their own nutrition. It provides them with the necessary energy for hunting and reproduction.
Insects: Digger wasps hunt various insects such as beetles, aphids, and caterpillars. They paralyze these insects and use them as food for their larvae.
Spiders: Some species of digger wasps specialize in hunting spiders. They paralyze the spiders and lay their eggs on them. The hatching larvae then feed on the spiders.
How do Digger Wasps Eat?
Digger wasps, also known as solitary wasps, primarily feed on nectar from flowers. However, their larvae feed on other insects.
Adult digger wasps consume nectar for energy.
They paralyze insects or spiders with their sting and bury them with their eggs.
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the paralysed prey.
The larvae consume the prey from inside, keeping it alive for as long as possible.
After fully consuming the prey, the larvae pupate and emerge as adult wasps.
What do Digger Wasps Drink?
Digger wasps, like other insects, primarily consume sugary substances to meet their energy requirements.
Nectar: This is a sweet liquid produced by plants, especially flowers, and is rich in sugars.
Honeydew: Produced by aphids, it's a sugary substance that provides essential nutrients.
Sap: Some species may consume tree sap, a fluid carried in the xylem or phloem of a tree.
Sugar water: In captivity, they may drink sugar water, a simple solution of sugar and water.
FAQs about Digger Wasps
1. How often do Digger Wasps eat?
Digger Wasps usually eat once a day, primarily feeding on nectar and pollen from flowers.
2. How long can a Digger Wasps live without eating?
A Digger Wasp can live for about two weeks without eating under optimal conditions.
3. What do Larvae Digger Wasps eat?
Larvae Digger Wasps primarily eat paralyzed insects provided by the adult Digger Wasps.