DIGITAL FIELD GUIDE: WASPS (Order: Hymenoptera)
Sphex ichneumoneus
<-- from Key Location 10b
Identification features: The Great Golden Digger Wasp is a large, robust wasp—1–1 ½ inches long—with a narrow, thread-like waist. The abdomen is attached to the thorax by a visible thread-like structure called a pedicel, and this structure is more slender and thread-like than the stalky abdominal attachment of Ammophila. It can be difficult to see the thread-waist if the wasp is moving fast or if its wings are covering the area between the thorax and abdomen. The stalk connecting abdomen to thorax is black; the abdomen is reddish-orange with a black tip, and legs are reddish-orange. Her head and thorax are black. What distinguishes her from similar wasps are the brilliant golden hairs on her body. These are especially noticeable on her face and shoulders, along with glittery golden patches on her sides.
Nesting habit and prey : Sphex ichneumoneus is a ground nester and uses the same nest location season after season, if it remains available. She prefers to build in sandy soils, and has a special structure on her front leg called a rake, which she uses to whisk sand out of the way. Sphex ichneumoneus hunts katydids to provision her nest.
Sphex as pollinator : As an adult, Sphex ichneumoneus sips nectar for her own nourishment. Because she has a short tongue she nectars on plants with shallow flowers, such as Texas kidneywood and soapberry.
