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Entomology (Study of Bugs)/Digging vespida - looking for ID

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Expert: Jack DeAngelis - 4/24/2009


Question

Mystery Digging Vespid
There are dozens, if not a hundred or more, vespidae (wasps?  bees?) living in an eroded hill between the sidewalk and the elevated lawn at my place of work.  They're smaller than a honeybee, pretty smooth (as opposed to fuzzy), striped horizontally on the abdomen, striped vertically on the thorax, and...I think have sort of reddish legs.  I'm in an urban setting (but a somewhat park-like part of one).  Thanks!

Answer
KT,

I don't think these are vespids. My guess is a type of digger wasp (Sphecidae). These wasps live in solitary nests unlike vespids which are social nesting wasps like yellowjackets. I don't know the species but I'd suggest posting this picture at http://www.bugguide.net and someone there will know.

I hope this is useful.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
author Living with Bugs: http://www.livingwithbus.com/bug_book.html  

Jack DeAngelis

Expertise

I can answer questions in any area of entomology (study of insects, spiders, mites, ticks, and other terrestrial arthropods). Contact me about home and garden insects, insects that bite and sting, and insects that damage homes such as carpenter ants and termites.

Experience

20 years as university extension entomologist, now retired; currently publish a website about home and garden insects.

Publications
see www.livingwithbugs.com/resume.html

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Entomology

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