Great Black Wasp
The great black wasp (*Sphex pensylvanicus*) is a large digger wasp native to North America.
The great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) is a large digger wasp native to North America. It is known for its mostly black body with blue-iridescent wings, solitary nesting behavior, and predation on large insects such as grasshoppers and katydids.
Taxonomy and identification
The great black wasp is Sphex pensylvanicus, a digger wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is recognized by its large size, black body, and blue-black or blue-iridescent wings.
Distribution and habitat
This species occurs across most of North America and is reported from much of the United States, with some sources noting it is less common or absent in the Pacific Northwest. It is typically found in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
Behaviour and nesting
Great black wasps are solitary and ground-nesting. Females excavate burrows in soil and provision nest cells with paralysed prey before laying eggs.
Diet and ecological role
Adults feed on nectar and may pollinate flowers, while larvae develop on stored prey supplied by the mother. The species helps regulate populations of some plant-feeding insects.
Key facts
- The great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) is a large digger wasp native to North America.
- It is a solitary wasp that nests in the ground.
- Females capture and paralyze prey such as grasshoppers, crickets, katydids, and locusts for their larvae.
- Adults are important flower visitors and can act as pollinators.
- The wasp is generally not aggressive toward humans, but females can sting if disturbed.
The species is native to parts of Canada and is reported from some provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, so Canadian readers may encounter it in gardens, fields, and other open habitats.
Frequently asked questions
What is a great black wasp?
Are great black wasps dangerous to people?
What do great black wasps eat?
Where do great black wasps live?
How big is a great black wasp?
References
- University of Minnesota Department of Entomology — https://entomology.umn.edu/great-black-waspSupports: Species identification, size, appearance, and general distribution in the United States.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphex_pensylvanicusSupports: Scientific name, common names, broad North American distribution, and size range.
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources — https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutwasps/wabwgreatblackwasp.htmlSupports: Morphology, nesting behaviour, prey items, pollination role, and life history details.
- Orkin — https://www.orkin.com/pests/stinging-pests/wasps/great-black-waspsSupports: Solitary behaviour, non-aggressive nature, and general distribution in the eastern United States.
- What's That Bug? — https://www.whatsthatbug.com/great-black-wasp-all/Supports: Reported presence in parts of Canada and additional natural history details.