The European Beewolf is a spectacular solitary wasp species occuring in most parts of Europe and tropical Africa.
Although the adults of the species are herbivores (feeding on nectar and pollen), the species derives its name from the behavior of the much larger females, who hunt for European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera).
In catching the bee, the female hovers over her prey, dives on it and stings it through the articular membranes which are situated behind the front legs.
She then carries the immobilised bee to the nest in flight between her legs.
The European Beewolf nests in burrows in sandy places on dunes, heaths and sand-pits, often in large "wasp cities".
Their nests often have dead honey bees lying around the entrances.
This species has a big round black head with a yellow mask shaped as a crown.
The crown of the male has three points (clearly visible on the first photo); the crown of the female has two points.

1st, 2nd & 3rd photo: A male. Air Force Base, Soesterberg, The Netherlands, 10 August 2018
4th & 5th photo: National Park De Hoge Veluwe, Ede, The Netherlands, 14 July 2021