The female of this species of Common Thread-waisted Wasp does a lot of work. She digs out a burrow for her eggs in the ground. She then seeks out a caterpillar to feed to her larvae. After mating, the female brings her paralyzed caterpillar back to the burrow and buries it with her eggs. The emerging wasp larvae eat the living, but immobile caterpillar, until they pupate.
This is the only representative of this particular genus that can be found north of Mexico. The black, glossy body has a pale yellow, almost white, mark on the side of the 'torso' or thorax. The abdomen tapers to a point. Though this species can sting, it is often so busy preparing a burrow, gathering meals, and living its life that observers are unnoticed. Couples are often sighted while mating, and adults may be seen taking nectar from flowers, especially from Queen Anne's lace.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Common Thread-waisted Wasp may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Common Thread-waisted Wasp. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Colors: black; yellow; white 
