This is a robust black wasp approximately 25 mm (1 inch) in length. It is all black except for a prominent orange spot on segment three of the abdomen. The antennae, eyes and legs are also black.
This wasp is probably uncommon. It has been observed once nectaring on Wolf Berry around Fontenelle Nature Center in mid-August, again in June 2016 and also at Neale Woods in mid-August.
These are solitary wasps that prey on large wolf spiders. This species excavates cells in the walls of preexisting earthen cavities. Spider wasps paralyze spiders with a sting. The female places the spider in a burrow as food for a single offspring.
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