Common Thread-waisted Wasp
Ammophila procera
This wasp is one of the few insects known to use tools; females will grasp a small pebble in their mandibles to hammer and compact the dirt when sealing their nest.
- Scientific name
- Ammophila procera
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hymenoptera › Sphecidae › Ammophila
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Open sandy areas, meadows, forest edges, and gardens.
- Diet
- Adults feed on flower nectar; larvae feed exclusively on paralyzed caterpillars provided by the mother wasp.
- Range
- North America, Central America
- Size
- 20-35 mm (0.8-1.4 inches)
- Lifespan
- 1 year (adults live for 1 to 2 months)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Pesticide application in gardens and agricultural areas, and loss of open sandy nesting habitats.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and non-aggressive. These solitary wasps do not defend their nests like social wasps and will only sting if directly handled or stepped on. Observe their fascinating digging behavior from a distance of 1 to 2 feet. If stung, wash the area with soap and water and apply ice; seek medical attention only if you experience signs of an allergic reaction.
Ammophila procera , the common thread-waisted wasp , is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae.
Photo: Steve Kerr, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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