This Digging or Blue-Winged Wasp (Scolia dubia) is a beneficial insect in my lawn and garden, as it is a natural control agent for the destructive grubs of the June Bug (Beetle). Here, the female is feeding on the wildflower Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) which I let grow among the vegetable beds to attract pollinators.
They will not sting unless greatly aggravated. Soon she will burrow into the soil to spend the nights, and eventually will sting and paralyze a grub onto which she will lay her eggs. Although I have not yet seen it, Scoliid wasps are said to fly just a few inches above ground infested with grubs in a loose figure-eight pattern.
As a naturalist, I have a confession to make. Although I don't mind beetles, and I practice kindness towards most insects, their grubs just give me the willies. I would much rather hold a snake than a grub! When I find one in the garden, I use a trowel to toss it onto the path in hopes a bird or chicken will find it for a snack!
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8 comments:
What a pretty little wasp, thanks also for the information..we have lots of June Bugs up here, I have never noticed this kind of wasp..but they are probably here. I kinda like grubs, a whole bunch better than sssnakes:)
Hellooo Mr stinger!!! You have amazing blue wings! I don't think they need any invitation to sting me! Yup!!!..I had some baaad experiences :(
Very cool picture!
Nice picture, don't think I'd like to see it up close and personal though.
Aw, come on guys, these really aren't that aggressive. I did not have a zoom lens and shot this with the camera about six inches away! As the locals would say nothin' to be "afeard" of!
Eeeee-eewwwww!
Very interesting. Great shot too.
ooooooo thats very nice! :)
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