Five-banded thynnid wasp

Description:

The Five-banded thynnid wasp occurs in eastern North America. This medium-sized yellow and black wasp is highly beneficial because it preys on a variety of beetles that destroy trees and flowers. Males have a pseudo-stinger at the tip of their abdomen, while females have the real thing. The wings of males are brown while female wings have an orange hue.

Habitat:

Spotted on Mountain mint one of its favorite native nectar plants. Meadows and mixed woods nearby.