This wasp is approximately 1 inch in length. The head, thorax and posterior section of the abdomen are black. The anterior section of the abdomen is orange. The wings are also orange. The antennae and legs are black. This wasp is very similar to Ammophila nigricans, but the orange wings and more extensive area of orange on the abdomen distinguishes it from that species.
This uncommon wasp can be seen nectaring on flowers in summer.
The prey includes Noctuid moth caterpillars, mostly cutworms. The female digs a single-celled burrow and provisions it with a caterpillar on which she lays an egg.
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