Scoliid Wasp

Dielis tolteca

Description:

A large female Scoliid Wasp with bright orange banding on the abdomen. She was about 3 cm long. These are also called Digger Wasps. Look at the characteristically corrugated pattern on the tips of the wings in the 5th picture. These are parasitic on Scarab larvae under ground, tunneling down to the larva to lay her egg on its body. Some will make a side chamber to store the larva while her own offspring grows. Because of her size, she must parasitize one of the larger scarab species. She also has enormous mandibles (visible in the last picture) for handling the larva underground. She has silver eyes and silver body hair. Family Scoliidae.

Habitat:

This one was on the floor of the terrace of a hotel overlooking the lake and not looking too healthy. She may have unfortunately been exposed to an insecticide. Catemaco, Lake Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico.