Tiphiid Wasp - male

Description:

Tiphiid Wasps are solitary wasps that parasitize various beetle larvae, particularly Scarab beetles. Female Tiphiids search out species of these subterranean beetle larvae and access them through tunnels they form or through tunnels formed by the adult beetles. When a larva is found, the wasp will lay her eggs on the abdomen of the beetle larva. The beetle larva is only partially paralyzed through the injection of neurotoxins, so that the wasp larva may initially feed on a living host. Once the wasp larva completely consumes the beetle larva, it constructs a cocoon for overwintering. Adults are pollinators and feed on nectar, mostly on Asteraceae and Apiaceae (Carrot family).

Habitat:

Much of North America. A wide range of habitats.

Notes:

Observed on Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum). Tiphiid Wasps are important beneficial predators.