Wasp with stolen spider lunch

I watched as this wasp stole the lunch of a Steotoda nobilis from its web. It was only after I downloaded the photo that I could see that lunch was indeed another spider, a Zyagiella x-notata. One dead spider, one hungry spider, one fat wasp!

comments (5)

Claire Hamilton

Lion

Very lucky that the wasp dragged its meal onto my newly cleaned PVC windowsill, hence the clean backdrop. I have been advised that the wasp would not have eaten the spider, but rather taken it back to the nest to feed the larvae. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Very interesting post. I had a quick read on Wikipedia which indeed suggests prey is for their young, whilst nectar and sweet fruits are to sustain themselves. Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Claire Hamilton
    
    Lion
    
    Yes, at first I thought it was eating it, but just softening it up a bit for the babies!!
    Posted 3 years ago

Flavio

Lion

Amazing story Claire. Just to imagine what happens every day on these tiny ecosystems... Posted 3 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  Absolutely fascinating isn't it! Posted 3 years ago

The Common wasp

''Vespula vulgaris'', known as the Common wasp, is a species found in regions that include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, India, China, New Zealand and Australia. It is sometimes known in English as the European wasp, but the same name is used for the species ''Vespula germanica'' or German wasp.

Info 19 1

Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by Claire Hamilton