In the UK the rare Purbeck mason wasp (Pseudepipona herrichii) is found only in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.

The female excavates a nest burrow in bare ground on heathland and later seals it with moistened clay.

Purbeck mason wasp (Pseudepipona herrichii) excavating nest burrow on heathland. Dorset, UK.

She stocks her burrow with the larvae of a small moth which feeds mainly on bell heather.

Purbeck mason wasp (Pseudepipona herrichii) with Acleris hyemana moth larva prey at nest burrow entrance. Dorset, UK.

The adults chew distinctive holes in the heather flowers to obtain nectar which their short tongues could not otherwise reach.

Purbeck mason wasp male nectaring on bell heather. Dorset, UK.

The Purbeck mason wasp is thought to rely solely on the larvae of Acleris hyemna, but in 2017 I photographed this female provisioning her nest with what appears to be the moth Acleris notana.

Purbeck mason wasp (Pseudepipona herrichii) with moth larva prey (Acleris notana?) at nest burrow entrance. Dorset, UK.

One small victory for citizen science?

Related links

• View and license more Purbeck mason wasp photos
• Purbeck mason wasp profile on BWARS