The red-banded sand wasp (Ammophila sabulosa) is one of those solitary species. They nest underground and the sandy soil of the Purbeck heaths is ideal for them. They have an interesting way of life; having dug their burrow they then find a caterpillar or other insect larvae, often much bigger than itself, and paralyse it with their sting and then carry or drag the victim back to the burrow. Once underground they lay their eggs on their prey so that the hatchling larvae have a ready made food supply.
(www.natureofdorset.co.uk/species/red-banded-sand-wasp
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