Sphex pensylvanicus, the great black wasp.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Sphex pensylvanicus, the great black wasp, one of the largest and most common insects in North America.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
This Isodontia mexicana wasp has been stylopized by Paraxenos parasites in the enigmatic order Strepsiptera, evident as bulges emerging between the abdominal segments.

Illinois, USA
Sand wasps (Crabronidae) mating.

California, USA
Sphex pensylvanicus, the great black wasp, one of the largest and most common insects in North America.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Sphex pensylvanicus, the great black wasp, one of the largest and most common insects in North America.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Sphex pensylvanicus, the great black wasp, one of the largest and most common insects in North America.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013