Four-banded Sand Wasp

Open sandy areas such as dunes, riverbanks, gardens with sandy soil, and golf courses.

Adults feed on flower nectar; larvae are fed various species of flies (mostly muscoid flies) captured by the mother.

They are solitary subterranean nesters that dig burrows in sand. Unlike most solitary wasps that seal the nest with all food at once, Bembix species practice 'progressive provisioning,' bringing fresh flies to the larvae as they grow.

They provide environmental benefits by controlling fly populations. While they have a stinger, they are non-aggressive and generally only sting if handled roughly or stepped on with bare feet.