black digger wasp

Description:

Sphex sp, probably Sphex cognatus, the black digger wasp. Wasps of the genus Sphex (commonly known as digger wasps) are cosmopolitan predators belonging to the family Sphecidae that sting and paralyze prey insects. There are over 130 known digger wasp species. In preparation for egg laying, they construct a protected "nest" (some species dig nests in the ground, while others use pre-existing holes) and then stock it with captured insects. Typically, the prey are left alive, but paralyzed by wasp toxins. The wasps lay their eggs in the provisioned nest. When the wasp larvae hatch, they feed on the paralyzed insects.

Habitat:

Observed excavating (or cleaning out an existing) hole in sandy soil in a large semi-urban yard & garden next to a disturbed patch of remnant lowland forest.

Notes:

In the third photo a small blur of dust can be seen from the digging action of the wasp.