What is a sand wasp?

Sand wasps are members of the Crabronidae family in the order Hymenoptera, which includes ants, bees and wasps. The sand wasps are identified by a banded pattern of black and yellow or white and black on the abdomen. They often bear pale green markings.

The wasps dig nests for their eggs in the ground of sandy areas, often along rivers. The females frequently stock the tunnels with the house flies or deer flies they catch; a single larvae may consume up to two dozen flies while developing. Though they are capable of stinging, sand wasps are not aggressive and generally only sting humans when disturbed.