Ammophila

Ammophila may refer to two distinct genera in different biological kingdoms: a genus of wasps and a genus of grasses.

In zoology, Ammophila is a genus of thread-waisted wasps in the family Sphecidae, commonly known as sand wasps. These are solitary wasps that dig individual burrows in loose or sandy soil and provision each cell with paralyzed caterpillars or beetle larvae for their developing offspring. Adults are usually active in warm, sunny habitats and may be seen foraging on the ground or hovering nearby. Species vary in size and coloration, but many have the characteristic slender body and long narrow waist.

In botany, Ammophila is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. The most familiar species are marram grasses, including Ammophila arenaria (European marram grass) and Ammophila breviligulata (American marram grass). These grasses possess extensive rhizomes and stiff, long leaves adapted to sandy, saline coastal environments. They stabilize dunes by trapping and accumulating sand, contributing to coastal protection and sediment dynamics. They are widely used in dune restoration and coastal engineering, though their aggressive spread can suppress native dune vegetation and reduce biodiversity in some areas.

Taxonomic note: The same generic name is used for two unrelated groups in separate kingdoms, illustrating a historical case of homonymy across zoology and botany.