This is a type of solitary wasp, named not because they always appear solo, but because each female nests alone and wasp adults do not share a communal nest like yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets do. Solitary wasps outnumber those social wasps in species diversity in our region, and while they might aggregate into a community of multiple males and females being active in the same general area, each female prepares and provisions her own nest by herself. The males tend to perch and patrol areas of territory, looking for mates and rival males to chase off or tackle midair. This can be the reason why groups of solitary wasps are seen together in one yard or area. They will not bother people unless directly grabbed, swatted, or accidentally stepped-on, so you don't need to try to remove or discourage them. They are also great to have in the home garden because they prey on other insects or spiders, often those we consider nuisance pests like grasshoppers, katydids, caterpillars, flies, and stink bugs.

The wasp pictured resembles the Four-banded Sand Wasp (also called the Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp), though a few related species look similar. As the name implies, it hunts stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs, and their relatives. Females dig their nest in soil (sandy-textured is preferred), and late July is when adult activity tends to peak in Maryland (on average, state-wide).

Miri

Thank you so much for your prompt and comprehensive response. Much appreciated!

On Friday, June 28, 2024, 3:08 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

You're welcome