This black and yellow wasp is approximately 5/8 inch or 17 mm in length. It has a black head with a yellow face, large black eyes and black antennae. The thorax is black with a yellow collar open in the center. The abdomen is black with yellow bands and is constricted at the margins. The entirely black tergum 2 is diagnostic for this species. This species was identified with the help of volunteer experts at the BugGuide web site.
The frequency of occurrence is not currently known. The individual shown here was photographed on marsh trail in Fontenelle Forest in early September.
Cerceris is known as the Weevil Wasp as it provisions its nests with adult beetles (particularly weevils) for the developing wasp larva. The female excavates a cavity in soil for its nest.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.