In this article we discover the symbiotic field digger wasp and fly relationship. It will help you understand that symbiosis can be of many types, and this one is quite unique among others.
It can be hard to imagine species apart from humans – be it animals, birds, or insects – coexisting peacefully.
In fact, most social animals remain with their own kind.
However, among insects, it’s not rare to see different species share some sort of give-and-take interaction.
Usually, such interactions end up increasing the survival chances of both parties or at least allowing one to take advantage of the other.
The field digger wasp and the fly share a similar relationship. Today, among the various abilities of insects, we are going to discuss symbiosis.
What Is a Symbiotic Relationship?
A symbiotic relationship refers to the relationship between any two organisms that interact in a way that either one or both parties benefit.
While symbiotic relationships can be either of the 4 types – mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, and competition – the term is generally used by laymen to refer to mutualism.
Common examples include fish that keep corals clean while enjoying the shelter the corals provide.
Another one is that of barnacles that stick on whales and get to travel for free without harming the whale.
Usually, symbiosis is only used for two dissimilar species of animals that share a relationship.
What Is the Relationship Between Field Digger Wasps and Flies?
The field digger wasp, or Mellinus arvensis, is a solitary digger wasp found burrowing in the ground. They share a parasitic relationship with flies.
These ground-nesting insects create nests in vertical burrows within the sand or sometimes within bales of straw and hay.
The underground nests attract flies, which then become food for the larvae of the wasps.
Sometimes, an adult wasp will kill an ant and drag it to its nest. Sometimes they hunt other insects and bring them into the nest.
The carcass attracts ants, which are then killed later by the larvae.
In fact, digger wasps have evolved to form many symbiotic relationships. For example, the beewolf digger wasp species harvests the Streptomyces bacteria within their antennal glands.
These bacteria are then applied to the cell that contains the larvae.
The bacteria form a part of their pupa, protecting them from certain infections.
While scientists don’t fully understand the process, it is believed that the antibiotics produced increase the larvae’s chances of survival.
How Is the Relationship Symbiotic?
As discussed, symbiosis has four types. A mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship is one where both parties benefit from the interaction involved.
Commensalism is when only one party benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped.
Parasitism refers to when only one party benefits from the other (and eventually kills the host).
Finally, competition refers to two organisms competing within an ecosystem, where each keeps the other in balance.
The field digger wasps and flies share a parasitic symbiotic relationship, where mostly the digger wasp benefits at the expense of the fly.
Other Symbiotic Relationships in the Insect Worlds
This behavior in insects is not uncommon, and many insect species share symbiotic relationships with other insects and animals.
Some common examples are:
Army ants and Mites
Army ants construct large nests on the ground, which host a variety of other insect and parasite species as they pass through.
One common guest is the mite E. burchellii. These mites attach to the ants legs and draw blood, which they then sustain.
Their bite does not hurt the ant; however, the ant does not benefit from it either (or at least, it is not clear to us yet).
Carrion Beetles and Mites
Some mite species will take a ride on carrion beetles. The beetle will transport the mite across a large distance, which the mite itself could not have covered.
In turn, the mites feed on the larvae and pupae of other insects, which could have threatened the beetle’s own eggs.
Leaf Cutting Ants & Fungi
Leaf-cutting ants harvest their own fungus within a fungus garden to feed on. They will cut portions of leaves and take them to their fungus garden (or cultivation area).
This allows the plant fungus to grow well on the decaying matter. The ants provide the right conditions for the fungus’s growth and, in turn, feed on the fungus itself.
Aphids and Ants
Aphids produce a substance called honey-dew, which ants feed on.
In turn, ants will allow aphids to live within their colonies and protect them from other predators.
This is a mutually symbiotic relationship.
Other Examples
Most insects harbor microorganisms in their guts or body cavities.
These microorganisms can help with preventing infections, or in some cases, they can negatively control the host’s behavior.
Often, these microorganisms are passed down through the generations. This is an example of microbial symbiosis.
Wrap Up
Symbiotic relationships are also seen within the animal kingdom.
In fact, humans also share a similar relationship with the millions of microbes in our gut, who help with digestion in exchange for a home.
Thank you for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the symbiotic relationship between trees and mistletoe?
Mistletoe is a parasite that extracts nutrients from its host spruce, weakening it and leading to the development of “witches’ brooms,” – bundles of excess growth.
The symptoms of mistletoe infestation include abscessing, an abundance of buds and tangled twigs, foliage residing in the broom, and early death in unaffected branches.
Although damaging or lethal to the spruce in question, mistletoe can provide shelter for animals like American martens, as well as be used by tribes like the Mistassini Cree Indians in rituals that involve burning witches’ brooms.
What type of symbiotic relationship is a wasp?
Field digger wasps share a parasitic relationship with flies, as these ground-nesting insects create nests in vertical burrows within the sand to attract flies, which then become food for the larvae.
They also have other symbiotic relationships, such as harvesting the Streptomyces bacteria within their antennal glands, which they apply to their larvae’s cells to protect them from certain infections.
This relationship helps increase their chances of survival.
What genus is a digger wasp in?
Sphex (digger wasps) are predators with over 130 known species.
They sting and paralyze insects for food, and construct protected “nests” for egg-laying – some species dig holes in the ground while others use pre-existing holes.
The great golden digger wasp have female wasps that build as many as six nests a summer, which the larvae feed on when they develop.
Behaviorally, Sphex has been observed not being able to count how many insects it has collected or adjust how it drags its prey when it has lost or misplaced one – though instinctively continuing to search for four crickets.
What type of symbiotic relationship is the intestinal worms and mammals?
Parasitism is an interaction between two organisms where one benefits while the other suffers harm. Parasites feed on their hosts, depriving them of essential nutrients and leading to reduced health.
Reader Emails
The symbiotic relationship between these two insects is often confusing because most people only understand mutual symbiosis.
Go through some of our reader emails that depict this confusion in abundance.
Letter 1 – Digger Wasp
What is this Bug?
I found this bug near Oracle Az. Was wondering what it is.
Hi,
We believe your beautiful Red Tailed Wasp is a Digger Wasp, Scolia dubia. The female digs a nest in the ground and provisions it with beetle larvae. We will contact Eric Eaton who lives in Arizona to see if he can confirm our identification. Here is what Eric has to say: ” Hi, Daniel: I think Earthlink owes you an explanation! I mean a ‘better’ one:-) Geez. Hey, feel free to divert folks to Bugguide where they can “post their own,” if that would help you any. The wasp: Right genus, but wrong species. It is a male (long, straight antennae, small body) Scolia ardens. They are quite common right now. I have taken them on blooming eucalyptus here in town, and blooming salt cedar in another part of the county. I almost miss hearing from you so often:-( Keep up the great work. Eric”Letter 2 – Digger Wasp
Would appreciate any assistanceGreetings Bugman!
Thank you for your really fun (and educational, of course) site. I have enjoyed it immensely. We recently moved to Central VA and have been fascinated by the many new bugs we have found on our 3 acres. This past week our lawn has been benignly "invaded" by the attached bug. With a 2-year old and a 3-year old we were alarmed by seeing what seems like a couple hundred wasps flying over and through the (very) long grass. They have acted utterly harmless, though, and even tolerated me mowing the lawn – effortlessly moving out of the way and then back to their flightpaths. They don’t sit still often and finally I caught one on camera. Any thoughts? They just roam endlessly 6 inches over the lawn, often congregating but rarely stopping. Hard to tell in this photo, but the "tail" is orange and black striped and covered in tiny hairs. You are probably overwhelmed with requests for your expertise, but if you have any information I would greatly appreciate it! All the best,
Dan Chambers
Hi Dan,
This is a Digger Wasp, Scolia dubia. Thanks for the excellent first hand behavior observations.
Letter 3 – Digger Wasp
wasp moth? Hello, I just downloaded a bunch of photos of wonderful bugs shot in weed patch along the edge of a small wooded area in Northampton, PA. Most of them were bees and wasps. This one was different than most of them and at first I thought it might be a wasp moth. After looking at your site, it appears it could be a digger wasp, but I couldn’t quite tell from the photo. You are welcome to use this photo if you wish. I cropped it so it would not clog your server. I have a larger, uncropped version too if you want. But this one cuts to the subject pretty well. I also got a great photo of a Wheel Bug devouring a bee while a wasp gathered nectar within 2 inches of it. I’ll send that under separate cover. Thanks
Johanna
Hi Johanna,
This is a real wasp, a Digger Wasp, Scolia dubia. We posted another photo of this species last week, but since your photo is so much clearer, we are posting it as well.
Letter 4 – Digger Wasp
Wasp? This lovely creature and its pals visit my apple mint around noon each day. Must be their lunch counter or something. They’re about an inch long and as you can see, have beautiful irridescent blue-black wings. They’re striped like a coral snake (red touch yellow, kill a fellow) and only feast on the mints in my garden, even though there are many other flowers nearby. Is it a wasp? I looked at your site and several others, and can’t find anything that looks like this. Also, is it dangerous? It doesn’t seem aggressive, as the mint is along the side of the driveway and we brush by it getting in and out of our cars and haven’t been stung yet. I hope someone can identify it.
Hedy Hadley
Glassboro, NJ
Well, I revisited the wasp section of your site and found that the photo I sent you is of Scolia dubia – a digger wasp. That might explain the little piles of dirt on the opposite side of the driveway that I blamed on ants or beetles. I’ll have to check this out. I’ve never seen the wasps on the lawn or anyplace else except the mint. Go figure! Hedy Hadley
Glassboro, NJ
Hi Hedy,
You are correct. This is a Digger Wasp, Scolia dubia.
Letter 5 – Digger Wasp
Cukoo Wasp? Hi! Love the site and I enjoy looking at all the different species of wasps. This little guy (about 1" or so) showed up in my back yard about a week ago along with about 4 million of his brothers and sisters. They seem to be dwelling in the ground. The closest thing I’ve identified them with is the Cukoo Wasp. Any ideas? Thanks.
Adam Morehart
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Hi Adam,
This is a Digger Wasp, Scolia dubia. Adult wasps prey on the grubs of June Beetles as a food source for the larval wasps.
Letter 6 – Ukrainian Digger Wasp is Mammoth Wasp
identification help
Hello dear Sir,
could you help me please to identify this giant insect. Here some info for identification help: This insect is about 5 cm (2 inches) longwise. Was found in the tropic area of Crimean mountains (Ukraine). Looks like it lives into the burrow or hollow of the old tree stub. It was alone there. Thank you
Lora
Hi Lora,
This is a Digger Wasp in the family Scoliidae. Scoliid Wasps are hairy, robust wasps that prey upon the ground dwelling grubs of Scarab Beetles. The adult wasps feed on nectar, and the beetle grubs are food for the larval wasps. There is a close enough resemblance to a North American species, Scolia dubia, that your specimen might be in the same genus.Letter 7 – Digger Wasp
Wasp, Black and Rust with Two Yellow Spots
October 4, 2009
I photographed this beautiful wasp October 2009 in NE Oklahoma. It is similar in size to a red wasp and yellowjacket.
Bugged about Bug
Northeastern Oklahoma
Letter 8 – Digger Wasp
Are these bugs wasps?
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania
August 14, 2010 10:30 am
Hi,
I’ve noticed a large number of bugs today flying close to the ground in our backyard. They look to be Black bodied,with 4 dark colored wings that fold into one. The rear part of their body, however, is brown and has 2 distinct yellow spots. I’m trying to figure out if they are wasps. Sorry my pictures aren’t too good, I caught one in a Tupperware container.
Benjamin Williams
Letter 9 – Digger Wasp or Blue Winged Wasp
Feeding on Goldenrod
Location: Southern New York State
August 16, 2010 4:18 pm
Saw this beautiful bug feeding on goldenrod in early August. It is about 1/2” long and unfurled gray wings under the colorful shell and flew short distances when disturbed. Also the unidentified wasps were busy at work. Cicada killer?
Don
Letter 10 – Digger Wasp
Are these cicada killers ?
Location: Springfield, MO USA
December 20, 2010 2:39 pm
I’ve got these wasps that are common visitors to my chive garden when it’s in bloom (BTW Chives make great bug attractants for photography). I think from browsing here that they maybe cicada killers. Would you confirm?
Signature: Tom
Letter 11 – Digger Wasp
Subject: What kind of bug is this?
Location: East-Central PA
September 9, 2012 6:04 am
This many of these bugs are swarming in my vegetable garden.
Signature: Jim’s Bug
Letter 12 – Digger Wasps
Subject: Bug identification Location: Fall Branch, TN 37656 August 22, 2013 7:10 am These bugs have invaded my apple trees! They’re not eating the fruit, just killing/eating the leaves. Most are 1-1 1/4” long. Wings look irredescent. They are avoiding my pear, cherry, peach and apricot trees and just on my apple. I thought they might be a type of bee but they have not stung me. There are about 25-30 per tree. Signature: Whats That Bug
Letter 13 – Digger Wasps dead from Natural Causes!!!
Subject: What wasp is this?
Location: Upper Marlboro,MD
August 23, 2013 6:01 am
Approximately 3/4”flying in swarms several inches above turf.No obvious ground holes.
Signature: JFR
Letter 14 – Metallic Sweat Bee, Digger Wasp and Potter Wasp attracted to blossoms
Subject: Colorful Wasps of Summer Location: Central Maryland, USA August 27, 2013 10:04 am Bugman, the wasps and bees really like this particular hemlock weed with many colorful varieties visiting it today. Looks like a Metallic Sweat Bee, a Digger Wasp, and one other black/white wasp. Would the black wasp with white bands possibly be a type of Mason Wasp? Signature: Roger S.
Letter 15 – Digger Wasp
Subject: Wasp
Location: Pennsylvania
August 19, 2015 1:51 pm
We have these wasp in our yard think they have a nest underground how do we know for sure and get rid of it
Signature: Sharon
Letter 16 – Digger Wasp
Subject: What is this
Location: Hardyville Kentucky
August 19, 2015 6:43 pm
These have been gathering in my backyard in the mornings. Seems that they are after the dew on the grass. I first thought they were dirt dobbers but I saw a few just chilling on my fence this afternoon and this is the picture. Thanks
Signature: Cheryl
Letter 17 – Fear of the Digger Wasp: Real or Irrational?
Subject: Digger Wasp? Dangerous?
Location: Orange, Essex County, NJ
August 25, 2015 10:38 am
Here are a few pix of this multi-colored wasp-like/-looking thing in my front garden. This is a pic of the first one. I saw one or two others. It seems to really like the ripe raspberries… far more than it likes the tomato flowers.
I am lethally allergic to bee stings and wasp stings. Is this thing dangerous to me? I stop breathing, if untreated, in 12 seconds after being stung… and again about 15 minutes after injection with my first dpi-pen. This one didn’t exhibit any interest, or even fear, at my getting close enough to take the pix with my iPhone.
Thanks.
Signature: Stephanie
Letter 18 – Sand Digger Wasp from Corfu
Subject: Corfu burrowing bug
Location: Central Corfu, Greece
August 8, 2017 2:08 am
Hi
I wonder if you can help please?
Today – Aug 8th – in Corfu Greece, we’ve seen this chap burrowing in the garden of our villa. He’s about 2cm long and is Black and Tan with external wings – not folded under a shell. He’s making grumbling chirping noises a bit like a cricket. He’s excavating the hole moving small stones out.
Thanks
Signature: Helen
Letter 19 – Digger Wasp
Subject: Lots of these hovering in yard with sandy soil about 20 feet from our pond
Geographic location of the bug: Chesapeake, VA
Date: 03/26/2020
Time: 03:43 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: These act like Scoliid wasps, but don’t look like them. What are they?
How you want your letter signed: Ruth
This should be female Mammoth Wasp (scolia flavifrons). The larvae feed on on the larvae of European rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis). Imago eat nectar.
Thanks so much Mardikavana,
It is nice to put a name to this magnificent Mammoth Wasp.
Why will these wasp not sting you they live in 2 of my baby dog wood trees and I mow and stir them up hold them in my hand can they become aggressive towards humans/children.
This is not an aggressive species. They do not have a home or nest as an adult, so we don’t understand why you state they live in your baby dogwood trees.
the picture helped me make a positive I D. The only location in my yard is over the sceptic tank. They are flying in an 8 . Is there maybe a problem with my septic system?
thanks for your help.
the picture helped me make a positive I D. The only location in my yard is over the sceptic tank. They are flying in an 8 . Is there maybe a problem with my septic system?
thanks for your help.
Digger Wasps would not be interested in the septic tank, but perhaps the ground above the septic tank is to their liking.
I have these every year around the end of Aug. in NC. It seems at night or in cooler weather not sure which they rest or sleep in a small apple tree I have in the yard.
I have them in my yard in Pennsylvania
Yes, I have them now.. for a second year, in the very same area, about 250 of them !!! And they are ALSO flying around the septic tank drainage pipe which is well buried underground. That pipe leads away from the house about 50 ‘, and the wasps like that area. The ground is not wet, but, on the driest weeks, that area still has some green grass. They fly low, zigging and zagging around. Last year, I made a video of one wasp dragging a cicada down the hole that had previously been dug. And, the month before (July) I had noticed large green beetles, not Japanese beetles, (the rose bush and some weeds have many beetles on them munching on them steadily), but these were BIG blue – green beetles. The holes these blue winged wasps make on the lawn make that area look like a minefield, there are more holes than lawn. The area they have worked on is about 30 ‘ x 20’. Is there any way I can prevent them from returning to this spot next year? My dog is outside and yes, these are placid wasps, but, can’t they go somewhere else ?
If the wasps find the conditions there to their liking, it is not going to be easy to persuade them to nest elsewhere.
I have the blue winged wasp in my yard and now that I know they are killing the grubs and beetles, I’m ok with it. The question I have is, can I cut grass without a trip to the emergency room? I know they are not aggressive, but would a lawn mower get them fired up? Thank you.
We doubt it. Wasp stings from social wasps generally occur while defending the nest. Solitary Wasps do not protect the nest.
mow at dusk… they have all gone to bed by then….
This year is our first year seeing them in masses around our pompadour (sp) ornamental grass. Now flying low over our lawn. We’ve never had them before. They don’t seem too interested in U.S. Or our two large dogs. There are a whole lot of them. Our unground pool is loaded with them now. I’ve saved a few but I’m nervous that someone may be stung while in the pool by one of these while struggling to get out of the water. Will they go away if I spray my lawn?
In our opinion, spraying the lawn might do far greater harm to people using your yard for recreational purposes than the possibility that someone might be stung by a non-aggressive wasp that is not considered dangerous and is not bothering you or your dogs.
Sorry for the misspellings. Auto correct is so annoying!
These wasps are rapidly taking over my yard! My concern is if I go to mow my lawn, they will freak out and sting me when I mow over their burrows. There are at least a few hundred that have cropped up in just the past few weeks alone! Raid didn’t do anything to them, is there something else I can do other than nuking the one golden rod at the edge of my property?
I think these, too, are Digger Wasps. I just took these this morning with my iPhone camera. This one is in my front vegetable & fruit garden, it likes my ripe raspberries a lot. I am terrified because I am lethally allergic to bee and wasp stings. I always carry two epi-pens with me… because without them, I will stop breathing in 12 seconds after being stung, and again stop breathing 15 minutes after the first epi-pen injection if I don’t use a second epi-pen. How dangerous is this thing to me? I’d love for it to eat the Japanese beetles… but I don’t want it to kill me. :-/ It has a companion or two, also. (There are two or three out there in my garden. Never seen them before, and I’ve had my garden in the same place for 25 years.)
Digger Wasps are not aggressive.
I think these, too, are Digger Wasps. I just took these this morning with my iPhone camera. This one is in my front vegetable & fruit garden, it likes my ripe raspberries a lot. I am terrified because I am lethally allergic to bee and wasp stings. I always carry two epi-pens with me… because without them, I will stop breathing in 12 seconds after being stung, and again stop breathing 15 minutes after the first epi-pen injection if I don’t use a second epi-pen. How dangerous is this thing to me? I’d love for it to eat the Japanese beetles… but I don’t want it to kill me. :-/ It has a companion or two, also. (There are two or three out there in my garden. Never seen them before, and I’ve had my garden in the same place for 25 years.)
Hmm. Seems I can’t get my pix to come through???
Use the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site to submit images.
My Daughter’s back yard is completely covered with them we can’t let my two yr old granddaughter play in the back yard of fear she will get stung by them. Do they bother humans ?
They are not aggressive and they do not bother humans, but we cannot predict what will happen if a two year old puts a Digger Wasp in her mouth.
Thanks for posting, I am so happy to finally be able to identify this insect! We’ve had a problem with Japanese beetles for years and this year, nothing. Instead we have had all these mellow, low-flying wasps. They don’t seem to land much so I haven’t gotten a good look at them until today when I saw one in the grass. We have so many of them but I walk right through them and they’e never bothered me, so I figured they were pretty harmless. Awesome to know that’s what got rid of the beetles! I hope they stick around next year.
Yes, now that I know all about them… I welcome them.. knowing that they are harmless and actually enjoy watching them flying around. The males are looking to catch a female.. and they are all going around as predators for grubs. The leave holes .. excavating them in the lawn.. and now.. I don’t care.. I know they are not around for long.. and even my dog just ignores them.. and they ignore her as she sniffs around looking for anything of interest. DO NOT NOT NOT leae anything insecticide.. for these are very beneficial insects.. and will only sting you if you grab one and pull on it.. or squish it.. or cause it tremendous harm.. Other than that.. you can identify them by the two yellow spots on the back..and those blue wings that shine… Leave them alone.. and let them do their jobs.. Yeah for them !!!!
They do nest in a huge azalea bush near to the site where they go around ground zooming.. I watch them go back and forth.. and in the morning, when they wake up… I actually watch them leaving the azalea bush. It stands over 6 feet tall. They have never been angry at me, and have no hive to defend.. They are peaceful and neat to observe. Enjoy and leave them alone !
Thanks for your strong endorsement of tolerance of the lower beasts.
Yes, now that I know all about them… I welcome them.. knowing that they are harmless and actually enjoy watching them flying around. The males are looking to catch a female.. and they are all going around as predators for grubs. The leave holes .. excavating them in the lawn.. and now.. I don’t care.. I know they are not around for long.. and even my dog just ignores them.. and they ignore her as she sniffs around looking for anything of interest. DO NOT NOT NOT leae anything insecticide.. for these are very beneficial insects.. and will only sting you if you grab one and pull on it.. or squish it.. or cause it tremendous harm.. Other than that.. you can identify them by the two yellow spots on the back..and those blue wings that shine… Leave them alone.. and let them do their jobs.. Yeah for them !!!!
They do nest in a huge azalea bush near to the site where they go around ground zooming.. I watch them go back and forth.. and in the morning, when they wake up… I actually watch them leaving the azalea bush. It stands over 6 feet tall. They have never been angry at me, and have no hive to defend.. They are peaceful and neat to observe. Enjoy and leave them alone !
correction to my type-o.. do NOT NOT NOT NOT USE ANY INSECTICIDE ON THE LAWN… YOU WILL NOT ONLY KILL THE JAPANESE BEETLE GRUBS, BUT, ALSO THE BABIES OF THESE WASPS.. and you don’ t want to do that. Let these wasps do that for you.. they will kill any bad grubs you have in your lawn. And, they do a perfect job.. and no insecticide / poison is used.. These ground wasps are very beneficial.. so just LEAVE THEM ALONE.
I found this digger wasp in Rochester New York. Wear do they build their nest because my parents are in their late 60’s and I don’t want to see them stung by them.
This is not an aggressive species.
I had one in my back yar , they killed two people
Please send us a link to the obituaries so we can have evidence of your wild claim.
Possible, if taken down into the throat, fatality could occur by choking/swelling. In 1835 an assassin came with two single shot pistols trying to kill President Jackson. Both misfired. The chances of 2 people being killed in the same place by swallowing one of these wasps is about as likely as the fact that both those guns misfired.
I have them all over my Meadow mint suckling pollen. They never are aggressive as l deadhead flowers around them to find out they take out Japanese beetles is a real plus as l don’t use any chemicals in my lawn or garden flowers.
spotted in ABQ, NM
I too have these wasps returning again this year. But I forget, about how long is their feeding season. I can walk through them on my way to the pool and they don’t seem bothered but I do worry about my grandchildren playing in the lawn.
These wasps have been my dear companions for the last five years, increasing their numbers every year. There are many, many hundreds of them all over my yard and garden. When I mow they are completely docile and if I see one in the grass ahead I slow down to let it get out of the way. I have walked through very large numbers of them and never been stung. I do not think the males can even sting. They love all the wildflowers but seem particularly fond of green headed coneflower which grows to eight feet.
Please do not hurt or attempt to displace these guys. I think of them the same as butterflies, something beautiful in the garden. And they truly are beautiful insects.
These wasps have been my dear companions for the last five years, increasing their numbers every year. There are many, many hundreds of them all over my yard and garden. When I mow they are completely docile and if I see one in the grass ahead I slow down to let it get out of the way. I have walked through very large numbers of them and never been stung. I do not think the males can even sting. They love all the wildflowers but seem particularly fond of green headed coneflower which grows to eight feet.
Please do not hurt or attempt to displace these guys. I think of them the same as butterflies, something beautiful in the garden. And they truly are beautiful insects.
Thanks for your passionate plea for tolerance of the lower beasts.
I noticed these Blue Wing Digger Wasps last year, and I’m encouraging goldenrod because it seems to be their favorite. I had never noticed them before, and there used to be June Bugs and Japanese Beetles everywhere I looked, dozens a day, but I saw less than 10 this year.
However, I don’t see many butterflies or moths either. Do the BWD Wasps use butterfly caterpillars for larvae food? I did see some web worms in a tree.
Digger Wasps only prey on the larvae of Scarab Beetles. The recent rarity of butterflies and moths you observed has some other cause.
I noticed these Blue Wing Digger Wasps last year, and I’m encouraging goldenrod because it seems to be their favorite. I had never noticed them before, and there used to be June Bugs and Japanese Beetles everywhere I looked, dozens a day, but I saw less than 10 this year.
However, I don’t see many butterflies or moths either. Do the BWD Wasps use butterfly caterpillars for larvae food? I did see some web worms in a tree.
Thanks for the info. That makes sense that they feed on green June beetles. Since they are hovering over the the same areas the beetles did. I’ve noticed them before. But their numbers have grown. Walk through them all the time. They seem to go out of their way to avoid me. Thanks again.
I had about 100 of them over the last 6 years or so.. In the back yard. Now, they have moved to the front yard. Harmless, they do their ”thing” and do no bother anyone. Glad they are around, for they feed on beetles.
Tallahassee fl all over my yard.
Are they dangerous?
They are very reluctant to sting.
Tallahassee fl all over my yard.
Are they dangerous?
do Blue Winged Wasps heart very bad?
this is not a bout blue winged wasps but can cuckoo wasp sting or not
Cuckoo Wasps do not sting.
do blue winged wasps heart very bad
I have them in Warwick, RI, flying in swarms of 5-6 and tormenting me relentlessly as I try to get from my driveway to the house. I am severely handicapped and these wasps just add to the danger factor. They clearly are agitated and furious at me. They want to sting.
I witnessed a blue winged wasp dragging what looked like a Recluse spider across my driveway. The spider looked about 3 times its size. I felt sorry for the wasp because he was struggling so hard to take his prey where it was needed. I wanted to help him…..Lol!
Spider Wasp in family Pompilidae, not Digger Wasp.
Do they also have brilliant blue wings?
Many Digger Wasps have dark wings with a blue cast.
If I ever see one again, I will. My first time in 73 years of seeing a wasp dragging a spider…..
I just discovered two in two different areas of my flower garden seem nonagressive just wondering how fast they multiply n if any potential problems to be concerned about. I’m hoping they will help control bugs
Digger Wasps help to control Scarab Beetle populations, including Japanese Beetles, because they prey on the grubs. If there are more wasps, it is only because the beetle population will support more wasps.
May I have more information about this bug please. My younger brother is deathly allergic to wasp and bee stings. Hes caught this bug in our window and brought it to me in a jar. I dont want him stung. Thank you.
Is this pic a Digger Wasp? I have thousands of them on my front lawn. Ps I also had thousands of Japanese Beatles on my front yard earlier in the season. Oops I can not find how to post a pic.
Anyway, it does have the straight antenna and red tail but also has two yellow spots at the top of the red tail section.
I have like a hundred of the blue winged wasp in my backyard. How do I get rid of them I’m scared to take my dogs out afraid of them getting stung . Help I need to get rid of them .