Thread-waisted Wasp – 7/11/26

Observer: Josh Simons

Observation Date: 7/11/26

Observation Time: 12:30 pm

Observation Location: near Moose Hill

Common Name: Thread-waisted wasp

Scientific Name: Ammophila procera

Comments: Today I watched what looked like a big and long wasp-like bug (photo) sting a caterpillar and then lift it and carry it away into our garden. At one point, it stopped, put the caterpillar down, and then move a tiny stone that was blocking/protecting its hole. After that it dragged the caterpillar into the darkness, came back out, put another stone back in place and I think kicked some soil into the hole as well. Wow.

This large solitary wasp (over an inch long) has an interesting life cycle, which is shown in this Vimeo video.

More Information: insectidentification.org