Subject: Wasp-like Insect
Location: Central Alabama
August 20, 2014 12:45 pm
Hello. Recently have seen several of these around, esp. near my flowering mint plants. Not sure what they are. I suspect they might sting, but are very docile in nature.
Signature: Wayne
Dear Wayne,
This beautiful Scarab Hunter or Flower Wasp in the family Scoliidae is commonly called a Double Banded Scoliid, Scolia bicincta. As you indicated, they are docile wasps that are solitary in nature. While we acknowledge that they might sting if the are threatened or carelessly handled, there is very little chance of a sting if they are not bothered. Scarab Hunter wasps are beneficial insects that help to control the populations of Scarab Beetles.