Noticed what appears to be wasp on scrub where several bees (honey?) were buzzing about in Redmond, OR 7.22.2024. Wasp didn’t seem interested in bee...
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Wasp identity. #878476
Asked July 23, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT
Noticed what appears to be wasp on scrub where several bees (honey?) were buzzing about in Redmond, OR 7.22.2024. Wasp didn’t seem interested in bees.
Saw no nest. Please try to identify and if aggressive/dangerous advise. Photo of wasp and shrub included.
Deschutes CountyOregon
Expert Response
Hi Marti,
This wasp is likely the Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus). This species nests in the ground and drags paralyzed grasshoppers into its nest, which its young consumes. Here is a short video on the wasp building a nest: They are neither aggressive nor dangerous. As long as you do not directly harass this wasp, it should steer clear of you. Unlikely social yellowjackets, these solitary insects are more likely to bolt, as they do not have a nest to defend.
