Wasp ID - Ask Extension
Gentleman found multiple of these rather large wasp like insects flying around in his shop. It is picture with what he states as a regular blue wasp....
Knowledgebase
Wasp ID #944053
Asked September 02, 2026, 9:25 AM EDT
Gentleman found multiple of these rather large wasp like insects flying around in his shop. It is picture with what he states as a regular blue wasp. Can you tell me what the larger one is? It does appear to have a blue tint to it.
Wyandot County Ohio
Expert Response
Dawn,
These are wasps in the family Sphecidae. Based on the size of the larger one, they are most likely both Great Black Digger Wasps (Sphex pensylvanicus). The large one is the female and the smaller is the male. Here is a fact sheet on the species: https://entomology.umn.edu/great-black-wasp
Why they are in the shop? These wasps are highly attracted to late summer/fall blooming flowers. Some of these flowers may be nearby to the shop. If he has doors open into the shop, the wasps may be drawn into the shop by either lights at night or shadows (darker areas) during the day. They are not particularly aggressive.
These are wasps in the family Sphecidae. Based on the size of the larger one, they are most likely both Great Black Digger Wasps (Sphex pensylvanicus). The large one is the female and the smaller is the male. Here is a fact sheet on the species: https://entomology.umn.edu/great-black-wasp
Why they are in the shop? These wasps are highly attracted to late summer/fall blooming flowers. Some of these flowers may be nearby to the shop. If he has doors open into the shop, the wasps may be drawn into the shop by either lights at night or shadows (darker areas) during the day. They are not particularly aggressive.
