Nesting biology of Mimumesa littoralis (Bondroit, 1934) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in Poland

The biology of Mimumesa littoralis was studied on sandy soil (Sierakowo) and wasteland with hard substrate (Kowalewo Pomorskie) in northern Poland. The study presents information on the bionomics of the rare digger wasp Mimumesa littoralis (Bondroit,1934). Females of Mimumesa littoralis nested both on sandy soil and wasteland with hard substrate. Their nests consisted of 2-3 cells. One cell contained up to 11 prey items belonging to species from five genera: Megadelphax spp., Dicranotropis hamata, Javesella spp., Laodelphax striatella, Javesella pellucida (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), and Streptanus sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), which had not been previously reported in the literature. The frequency with which the female brought prey to the nest varied from 12 to 21 min. In addition, the kleptoparasite Senotainia conica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) was found in the nest. Adult individuals were observed feeding on the flowers of Pimpinella sp.

Automated summary

This study investigated the biology of the rare digger wasp Mimumesa littoralis in northern Poland, specifically on sandy soil and wasteland with hard substrate. It provided information on nesting behavior, prey composition, and the presence of a kleptoparasite. The study also observed adult individuals feeding on the flowers of Pimpinella sp.