Yesterday, while out looking at the Greeneyes, I came across this beautiful wasp. It was the Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus)! Of course I wanted to know more about it.
The Great Golden Digger Wasp was quite active. It was very hard to get a shot as it never stayed in one place for long. So then I caught one to get a better look.
First, I captured it in a jar.
Second step. I cool it off in the fridge to slow it down for the photo shoot. If the last segment of the abdomen had been red, it would have been the species Sphex dorsalis. Also because the wings are dark, it the eastern specimen. The young are fed a variety of prey from the Orthopters order which includes grasshopper, katydids and crickets. She also will make sure the hole is clear before dragging the prey head first. down the vertical tunnel. The female then will place a paralyzed prey down in her nest hole. Afterwards she will lay one egg on top of the prey in each cell she had dug.
Placing it on a Greeneyes flower, I tried for a more natural background. The Greeneyes were the uncooperative one in this case. It just wilted too fast. ;-( In this photo, the three dark ocelli (simple eyes) can be seen between the compound eyes.
Another angle to view more of its golden hairs!
The hairs on it forehead shimmered like gold in the sunshine. That is what drew me to it begin with.
None the worst for wear, it was then released to carry on with its life!
Finally, here is a book you might enjoy reading about wasps! I just finished it and it is very informative read. The wasps are really incredible creatures and a vital part of the ecosystem!
Holey cow we got rain! And I had just told Claire no way would we be getting any. Jeanne washed her windows too. Maybe that is better than washing your car. LOL. We feel our plants just got very lucky with .24″ in ten minutes. Hope everyone is as lucky. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
To me all critters are incredible. Thats a beautiful wasp. Dancing cockatoo is interesting article for sure. Others too.
I get Sphex wasps all over my kidneywood when it flowers every year. They are so jittery, like on caffeine overload.
Have you seen them dray prey into their hole?
No, I only ever see them on the flowers gathering pollen(?). I don’t know where they go and have not seen one capture prey.
I wish I had the patience like some of the early naturalists. Some would spend hours chasing the critters.
I think all critters are incredible. Your photos make anything pretty
Thank you 😊
Super photos & super interesting!
So glad you enjoyed it!