A new wasp discovery: Unearthing Belgium’s hidden biodiversity

Sand quarries, with their sunlit slopes and bare soils, have emerged as unlikely sanctuaries for rare pollinators. These habitats are vital for ground-nesting bees, which constitute 70% of all wild bee species, offering the nesting grounds they struggle to find in our manicured landscapes.

This spring, a collaborative study led by BirdLife Partner Natuurpunt and Sibelco explored four Belgian quarries to inventory wild bees. Amid the anticipated findings, researchers uncovered a thrilling surprise: Nysson distinguendus, a kleptoparasitic digger wasp, marking its first recorded presence in Belgium!

This tiny, half-centimetre insect dazzles with a striking black abdomen adorned with white dots and red markings. A fascinating parasitic species, it lays its eggs in the nests of other digger wasps, echoing the strategy of the cuckoo bird. Its larvae consume provisions originally intended for the host’s offspring.

“Finding this new parasitic digger wasp species was a pleasant surprise,” says bee-expert Win Vertommen.

“There’s another species that looks very similar, and at first I thought it was that one. But after further research, it turned out to be a new species that has never been spotted in our country before, which is always exciting to discover.”

Digger wasps, including Nysson distinguendus, contribute significantly to maintaining ecological balance. By preying on insects like aphids, flies, and beetles, they act as natural pest controllers. This discovery showcases the intricate relationships within ecosystems and emphasises the importance of preserving unique habitats like open sand, arising from quarrying activities to foster biodiversity.

Cover Picture by ©Winfried Vertommen