Double-banded Scoliid Wasp
Scolia bicincta
Females can detect the vibrations of scarab beetle grubs buried deep underground, digging through the soil to paralyze them and lay a single egg on their body.
- Scientific name
- Scolia bicincta
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hymenoptera › Scoliidae › Scolia
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Meadows, sandy fields, forest edges, and suburban gardens.
- Diet
- Adults feed on wildflower nectar (especially goldenrod and thoroughwort); larvae are parasitoids of scarab beetle grubs.
- Range
- North America
- Size
- 20 to 25 mm (0.8 to 1.0 inches) in length.
- Lifespan
- Approximately 1 year (mostly spent underground as larvae/pupae; adults live for 3 to 5 weeks).
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Widespread pesticide use in lawns and gardens, habitat fragmentation, and heavy soil compaction that prevents burrowing.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and non-aggressive. These solitary wasps will not sting unless actively grabbed or stepped on. If you encounter one on a flower, you can safely observe it from inches away. In the rare event of a sting, wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress. Seek medical attention only if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Scolia bicincta , the double-banded scoliid , is a species of scoliid wasp in the family Scoliidae.
Photo: Louise Woodrich, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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