From time to time I have come across these small black flying insects while I have been out shooting and I have been curious about what type of insect that they were. So I looked them up and found out that they are a type of wasp called a thread-wasted wasp. They are members of the
Sphecidae family and there are 728 species of them world wide.
In North America there are 206 species. Most are black in color, although some may also have some red, white, or yellow portions or may have a blue or green tinge. They are usually solitary and ground
nesters. Adults eat nectar from flowers like this one is doing.
For
propagating the thread-waisted wasp will paralyze an insect, typically a caterpillar or a grasshopper, or spider depending on the type of wasp, with its sting and then carry it to a ground nest. It will then lay an egg in the
immobilized prey and cover the nest. When the larva hatches it will use the host as a food source and then pupate underground.
From time to time I have come across these small black flying insects while I have been out shooting and I have been curious about what type of insect that they were. So I looked them up and found out that they are a type of wasp called a thread-wasted wasp. They are members of the Sphecidae family and there are 728 species of them world wide.
In North America there are 206 species. Most are black in color, although some may also have some red, white, or yellow portions or may have a blue or green tinge. They are usually solitary and ground nesters. Adults eat nectar from flowers like this one is doing.
For propagating the thread-waisted wasp will paralyze an insect, typically a caterpillar or a grasshopper, or spider depending on the type of wasp, with its sting and then carry it to a ground nest. It will then lay an egg in the immobilized prey and cover the nest. When the larva hatches it will use the host as a food source and then pupate underground.
I could only hope for a waist line like that. Awesome captures!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot, he really stands out on the beautiful yellow flower!
ReplyDeleteThe Road to Here
728 species worldwide wow that's a lot!! I thought it's some kind of a fly. Great shot!
ReplyDeleteMacro Monday
Fascinating information. And great photos!
ReplyDeletegreat shots!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures...But a frightening looking critter! Thank you for the background! Wishing you well! Cathy
ReplyDeleteLove the contrast between the bright yellow and the wasp...very well done!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this is of the same family as this wasp I found here in Western Australia?
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/Aghtcmc2Bes