This is a solitary Mason Wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. This wasp is approximately 3/4 inch in length. It is black with a broad yellow band on segment one of the abdomen. Segment one is somewhat narrowed but not stalklike (petiolate). The antennae are mostly black except for a small amount of dull red at the base. The legs are bright yellow. The wings have a strong purple tint. The pronotum, the region of the thorax directly behind the head, is horseshoe shaped and can have some dull red coloration.
A female was seen on the wetlands boardwalk in late July 2007 apparently looking for a nest site. Another female was sighted 3 times on the wetlands boardwalk in late July 2008. On at least a couple of occasions she was seen scooping dirt out of holes in the boardwalk (see photos C and D), presumably as though preparing a nest site. But no nest was ever discovered.
From photographs taken in Fontenelle Forest it seems likely that this wasp uses holes in wooden structures for nest sites. It has also been observed entering holes in concrete riprap. However, beyond that there is virtually nothing known about the biology (for more information, click here, and then page down to the Biology paragraph) or the life cycle of this wasp. Any sightings and information on behavior or prey species would be appreciated.
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