Black and White Sand Wasp

Description:

Black and white sand wasp. Sand wasps are normally yellow and black, but some sand wasps are black and white. It is a solitary type of wasp called Bembix speciosis. It mainly catches flies, stuffing its dugout nest with dozens of houseflies, deer flies and other annoying pests. Although the female is capable of stinging people (the male isn't), she rarely does. Like potter wasps, sand wasps are beneficial insects. Not only do the adult wasps capture caterpillars and flies to feed to their young, they themselves feed on nectar, which helps pollinate flowering plants. Bembix speciosis is just under an inch long with large eyes, transparent tan wings and a black-and-white banded body and bright yellow legs.

Habitat:

This black and white sand wasp was spotted in the campground we were staying at in Verona, Virginia.