Jewel Beetle Wasp (female)

Description:

The only species in its family (Crabronidae) in eastern North America to feed on beetles in the Buprestidae family. It's penchant for Buprestids has made it a very important indicator of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (Agrius planipennis). Their larvae feed on the paralyzed Buprestids. They will make nests 10-22 cm deep in sandy soil which has been packed down very well, such as dirt roads. There was a dirt road not even 200 meters from this spotting.

Habitat:

Found on Daucus carota.

Notes:

Lifer!