Sphecidae

Description:

Solitary wasp in the Sphecidae family. Maybe Podalonia tydei. Podalonia wasps are similar to the Sand wasps (Ammophila), Sphecidae family, but they have a much shorter petiole )the narrow waist) and the abdomen is slightly stronger. The thorax bears a small white patch. The females lay their nests in the sand. They normally incubate in large, hairless caterpillars of moths. All Sphecidae are predatory and parasitoidal, but the type of prey ranges widely. The vast majority practice mass provisioning, providing all the prey items prior to laying the egg.

Habitat:

Spotted at a deciduous forest on mint flowers.

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/800 sec., f/14, ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. No flash fired.