Paul writes: This solitary wasp is a pretty fearsome looking beast, especially if you are a honey bee. Females are estimated to collect over 100 bees, mainly honey bees, during their flight period between July and mid-August. Thirty years ago in the UK the Bee-Wolf (Philanthus triangulum) was restricted to a few locations in Southern England but its range has expanded dramatically and is now found as far north as Yorkshire, however it is not considered to be a major threat to honey bee numbers. I found this one on Seaford Head in East Sussex. I’d been told they were around on this site so was hoping to see one. As soon as it flew into view I knew that this was it, much bigger and bulkier than other solitary wasps. It hunted around for a few minutes before settling on the ground where I managed a few quick photos, then it flew off. I could tell it was a female by the brown patch on its head, just behind the eye. I waited around hoping it would return but unfortunately it didn’t.
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