Sand Wasp

Sandy soils, beaches, dunes, and open gardens near bare sandy ground

Adults feed on flower nectar. Larvae are carnivorous and fed flies (Diptera) brought back by the female.

Solitary burrowing wasps. Females dig tunnels in sandy soil to raise larvae, provisioning each nest cell with paralyzed flies. They are fast flyers and often hover low over sandy terrain.

Highly beneficial naturally occurring pest control, especially for fly populations. Females possess a sting used to paralyze prey, but they are non-aggressive toward humans and rarely sting unless forcefully handled.