Vespula vulgaris (Common wasp)♀︎

Eristalis similis (Glass-winged drone fly)

Last update: 27 October 2024


Common

Location Krimpen aan den IJssel, garden
Observations
2024-VII-07


The Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) developed only late this year, so its nectar was mainly used by flies. Among a group of foraging flies was a female Glass-winged drone fly (Eristalis similis) that was jumped out of the blue by this Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)1. The wasp dropped to the ground with her prey and started biting it, without using her stinger it seemed. In the following skirmish she removed the left forewing on one third from its base, the left foreleg was cut halfway of the femur, only the basitarsus of the left middle leg tarsus remained, and the right middle leg was cut between the coxa and precoxa. Next she seemed to remove the abdomen, but her attention shifted towards the head after some time, even though a large cavity had already been created. The neck of the fly was first bitten dorsally then ventrally. After about twenty-four seconds she left with only the head. Seven minutes later she returned to attack the body, but left without taking more piece.

Common wasp ♀︎ (Vespula vulgaris), beheading Glass-winged drone fly (Eristalis similis)
Common wasp ♀︎ (Vespula vulgaris), beheaded Glass-winged drone fly (Eristalis similis) body is left behind

Literature

1 Nederlands Soortenregister

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