This wasp is approximately 1 inch in length. It is mostly black with a short, white band in the middle of the thorax and conspicuous white marks on segments 2, 3 and 4 on the sides of the abdomen. The antennae and legs are black. The wings are black with a bluish hue. There are blond hairs on the thorax, abdomen and legs. The female pictured here is thought to be atypical because it is unusually dark. Wasps in this genus usually have numerous yellow markings.
This wasp is probably uncommon from July through September. Adults can be seen nectaring on flowers like Climbing Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve) and Virginia Mountain Mint.
The larvae are parasites of soil-inhabiting beetle larvae especially May beetles (Phyllophaga). The nesting habits are not well known in this family, but some experts believe the adult females do not construct nests but instead oviposit directly on the grub. The pupae overwinter in soil and the adults emerge in early summer. Individuals of this genus are so similar that they generally are not identifiable to species from photographs.
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