Beewolves are solitary, predatory wasps most of which prey on bees, hence their common name. The adult females dig tunnels in the ground for nesting. As with all other sphecoid wasps the larvae are carnivorous, forcing the inseminated females to hunt for other invertebrates (in this case bees), on which she lays her eggs, supplying the larvae with prey when they emerge. The adults collect nectar from flowers or from squeezing the bees they capture for prey. The nectar is their energy source for flight.

This species Philanthus triangulum, mainly hunts on Honey Bees. They sting their prey in a membranous location on the ventral surface where the venom quickly paralyzes major voluntary muscles, yet does not kill the prey.