Saving the small things that run the planetLatin name: Cerceris quadricincta
Notable feature: Medium-sized wasp with four distinctive yellow bands on abdomen.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Where in the UK: South East coast of England.
The Four-banded Weevil-wasp (Cerceris quadricincta) is a rare and native solitary wasp that has only been recorded in Essex and Kent. It is also known as the Four-banded Tailed Digger Wasp.
The species nest gregariously, which means they will often use nests occupied by other weevil-wasps, in areas of bare sand or sandy soil that is exposed to the sun.
Not to be confused with the Five-banded Weevil Wasp, which can be distinguished by the number of yellow bands. This species is predominantly found in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Both have similar life cycles and behaviour.
Buglife is working to increase awareness of invertebrates and the Four-banded Weevil-wasp through specific projects and campaigns such as Middlewick Ranges but we need your help!
Join a recording scheme and log your finds – send any records/sightings to BWARS or download the iRecord app and get recording!
Do remember that we rely on donations to continue our work. If you have searched, found and learnt about our incredible invertebrates on our website, please do consider Making a Donation, Becoming a Member or maybe even making a purchase in our shop. For more ideas on how to support our work find out how to Get Involved. Thank you 🕷
