This is a robust, colorful wasp approximately 1 inch in length. The front half of the abdomen is bright orange and the rear half is black. The thorax is brown. The eyes and antennae are black. The wings are brown at the base and black towards the tip. The legs are bright orange. There is golden hair on the head and thorax. At rest the wings are held flat over the abdomen.
These wasps are common in July and August. They are frequently seen on flowers taking nectar.
This is a solitary hunting wasp. Females dig nearly vertical burrows in sandy or loose soil. Each tunnel has several cells. Katydids and crickets are the main prey. One paralyzed cricket is placed in each cell and a single egg is laid on it. There is one generation per year.
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