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Great Black Digger Wasp

Sphex pensylvanicus

The Great Black Digger Wasp is a shiny black insect that digs in the ground to make nests. They are helpful because they catch and store bugs to feed their babies!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Great Black Digger Wasp is a large, entirely black insect with a sleek, slender body and dark, smoky wings. Its prominent black antennae and long, strong legs help distinguish it from other dark-colored wasps, which often have yellow or white markings.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilySphecidaeGenusSphex
Great Black Digger Wasp
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgeburrowing trait badgegrassland trait badge
Great Black Digger Wasp

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Females can carry prey heavier and bigger than their own body!

Its babies eat live, paralyzed food for their very first meal!

Mom wasp digs a brand new burrow for each single egg she lays.

They use tiny pebbles to seal their nest tunnels after laying eggs.

Special abilities

Ability

Master Digger

Great Black Digger Wasp has powerful, spiky legs that help them rapidly excavate underground burrows for their offspring.

Ability

Prey Transport

Great Black Digger Wasp can fly while carrying prey almost as large as itself, hauling it back to the nest.

Ability

Navigation Wizard

Great Black Digger Wasp can remember the exact location of its burrow, navigating complex environments to bring food home.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-50 mm
Size
15-28 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Flight Speed
25 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar for energy, but their babies feast on paralyzed insects found and caught by the mother.

Primary Foods

  • Crickets
  • Grasshoppers
  • Katydids

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Stay calm and don't swat at wasps; they usually won't bother you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Great Black Digger Wasp's wingspan?

30-50 mm

How big is Great Black Digger Wasp?

15-28 mm

How long does Great Black Digger Wasp live?

20-40 days

How fast can Great Black Digger Wasp fly?

25 km/h

What does Great Black Digger Wasp eat?

Adults sip nectar for energy, but their babies feast on paralyzed insects found and caught by the mother.

Where is Great Black Digger Wasp usually found?

Grasslands

How does Great Black Digger Wasp hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Great Black Digger Wasp have?

6

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