great golden digger wasp

not listed

not listed

not listed

Great golden digger wasp is a widespread, fairly common, large, thread-waisted wasp. It occurs across the United States, in adjacent Canadian provinces, in Central America, and in South America. In Minnesota it is common in the southeast and metro areas, absent in the north. Although common, it is wary and seldom seen.

Females are slender and ⅞″ to 1 1 ⁄16″ (23 to 27 mm) long. The head is black and is covered with abundant erect golden hairs. There are two large compound eyes, one on each side of the head; and three small simple eyes (ocelli) in a triangular pattern at the top of the head between the compound eyes. The face and the area behind each compound eye (postocular area) have appressed golden hairs. The antennae are thread-like, are not elbowed, and are black except for the underside of the basal segment, which is reddish-orange. The mandibles are reddish-orange at the base, black at the tip.

The thorax (mesosoma) is black and has three segments. However, the first segment of the abdomen is fused to the thorax, giving the thorax the appearance of having four segments. The upper plate on the first segment (pronotum) is short and collar-like. There is a short, rounded lobe on each side of the pronotum that does not reach the plate at the base of the wings (tegula). The lobes and the ridge on the pronotum are covered with appressed golden hairs. The tegula is reddish-orange and is also covered with appressed golden hairs. The second segment of the thorax (scutum), by far the largest, is black with pale rear and lateral margins.

The abdomen consists of a large first segment (propodeum) that is fused to the thorax; a narrow waist-like second segment (petiole); and the bulbous remainder (gaster). The first two segments of the gaster and the base of the third segment are reddish-orange. The remainder of the gaster is black.

The wings are large and amber. When at rest they are folded over the body. They make a rustling noise in flight. In the lower part of the forewing there are two recurrent (backward-turning) veins, both of which meet the second submarginal cell. On the hindwing the discoidal vein rises distinctly beyond the end of the transverse median vein.

On each leg, the basal segment (coxa) is reddish-orange. The small second segment (trochanter) may be black, a little reddish-orange, or entirely reddish-orange. The second segment (tibia), third segment (femur), and the end section corresponding to the foot (tarsus) are reddish-orange.

Males are smaller than females, averaging ¾″ (19 mm) long, and have less abundant golden hairs. The trochanter and the base of the femur are black.

Male: ¾″ (19 mm)

Female: ⅞″ to 1 1 ⁄16″ (23 to 27 mm)

Fields, meadows, and gardens near a sandy area

One generation per year: June to October

Adults are wary, not aggressive, but they may sting if handled.

Paralyzed grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids

Flower nectar and plant sap

Sources

24, 27, 29, 30, 82.

Widespread and fairly common

Found in Bridgton, Maine

On 08/3/2019 there were several types of bees or wasps on our large bush of Swamp Milkweed.

This black and orange wasp was unfamiliar to me. I usually just see common looking small bees and large black wasps and ants on this bush.

Location: Albany, NY

Location: Southern Scott County, MN.

I managed to get a grey short video showing both black and golden digger wasps feasting on my ornamental alliums. Right on my entryway path… they are harmless but sure don’t look that way and are quite effective at keeping the solicitors away!

Location: Houston County, MN

Location: Houston County, MN

Location: Maple Grove, MN

Found in Bridgton, Maine

Location: Maple Grove, MN

On 08/3/2019 there were several types of bees or wasps on our large bush of Swamp Milkweed. This black and orange wasp was unfamiliar to me. I usually just see common looking small bees and large black wasps and ants on this bush.