Wasp Nest Beetle - Metoecus paradoxus

The Wasp Nest Beetle - (Metoecus paradoxus)

The Wasp Nest Beetle - 

This secretive British wasp parasite is often confused with flies and even moths. It's a very strange insect to look at, and its life cycle means you are very unlikely to get close enough to this parasites favourite hangouts for fear of being stung!

The specimen shown in the images here came from the nest of the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). The nest was located in the crawl space of a converted loft and was resting on the window sill of an adjacent window.

We discover all sorts of strange insects while carrying out our Bristol pest control services, especially in the warmer months of the year when insects are abundant.

Wasps might seem like the worst possible insect to upset, but it would appear that this parasite hitches a ride to the nest on the back of the adult wasps as a larva!

WaspKill UK Pest Control with Simon Berenyi