American Pelecinid Wasp

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, woodlands, and suburban gardens, especially in grassy areas near trees.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on nectar. Larvae are parasitoids that feed on the larvae of May beetles (Grub worms) underground.

Behavior Patterns

Female wasps use their exceptionally long, flexible abdomen to probe the soil and deposit eggs directly onto beetle larvae. They are slow flyers and are often active during late summer.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; despite their appearance, they do not sting or bite people. They provide an ecological benefit by naturally controlling May beetle populations.

Identified on: 4/12/2026