Wasp (could be a type of Sphecid wasp or similarly shaped wasp)
Scientific Name: Various species depending on exact identification (e.g., Sphex ichneumoneus for Great Golden Digger Wasp - this is a general family due to image clarity)
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Vespidae (true wasps), Sphecidae (digger wasps), or related families
Size: Typically 10mm to 30mm (0.4 to 1.2 inches), but can vary greatly by species.
Natural Habitat
Widely diverse, including gardens, fields, forests, and urban areas. Many build nests in the ground, in wood, or hanging from structures.
Diet & Feeding
Adult wasps often feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew. Larvae are typically carnivorous, fed by adults with paralyzed insects or spiders that the adult has hunted.
Behavior Patterns
Many wasps are solitary, with females hunting prey to provision their nests. Others are social, forming colonies with a queen and workers. They are known for their defensive stinging behavior when threatened, especially around their nests.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include painful stings, especially for individuals allergic to their venom. Benefits include pest control as they prey on various insects (e.g., caterpillars, flies, spiders) that can be garden or agricultural pests. They can also act as pollinators.
Identified on: 9/10/2025