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This bug has been reportedly found in the following regions:
Vincent, Alabama Fullerton, California San Diego, California Spring Hill, Florida Waycross, Georgia Galva, Illinois La Grange Park, Illinois Atalissa, Iowa Iowa City, Iowa Baldwin City, Kansas Benton, Kentucky Skowhegan, Maine Framingham, Massachusetts Leslie, Missouri Manchester, New Hampshire Branchville, New Jersey Gold Hill, Oregon
On Sep 2, 2006, melody from Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote:
Common throughout north America, digger wasps lay their eggs in burrows that they construct.
They look fierce, but rarely sting, and are quite curious about people and pets.
The adults eat nectar from various flowers and the larvae feed upon insects captured by the parent and stored in the burrow for their nourishnent.
Often seen flying low across the lawns searching for suitable insects for the burrow. They spend the daylight hours searching and taking nectar, flying to roost in the evenings.
Considered a beneficial insect because of the type of insects it preys on.
On Jul 10, 2007, maktunghi from Branchville, NJ wrote:
We spotted this bug in a small garden and were initially alarmed by its size and fierce looking appearance. They dug several penny sized holes in the soil and appeared very busy scurrying around. Considered eradicating them but decided not to do so after reading your description of them as a beneficial bug and not agressive. As a "camera bug", will try to get some close up shots of these fascinating bugs.
On Sep 3, 2007, greenham from Baldwin City, KS wrote:
We had a great golden digger wasp start making her nest on our patio. At first we tried to deter her by blocking up the hole but after three times I figured that her determination should allow her to stay. I then got completely facinated by her and her movements. After looking her up I became caught up in watching her and have been recording her patterns. Over three days she has dug a very deep hole and has so far provisioned it with at least 8 grasshoppers. She has been facinating to watch and learn about.
They do seem to have the disturbing habit of digging their holes in high-traffic areas. As long as you're not freaked out by wasps, this isn't a problem.
I haven't found any way yet to discourage them from digging where people and pets are nearby. So far no one's gotten stung, but I'm sorry to say several of these big wasps have met an untimely end because at times they do like to get a little too up close and personal with people who aren't comfortable around them.
There was a similar wasp in my back yard- but it's all red and long. Check my picture. Creepy Creepy.. First I saw it, it was pulling the big spider up the fence.. eeeeee, well it was too ineresting -so I ran for the camera. What is the name of this one? thanks
