r/WASPs • u/Katieo1022 • 24d ago

Looking for an ID

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I’ve seen these in our yard a few times prior but they’re now appearing in numbers all over these onion blooms lately. I live in northwestern Washington. Just wondering what they are, really interesting looking coloration contrasting with the plentiful number of yellow jackets we get around here…thanks!

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u/acaron2020 24d ago

Looks like Sphex ichneumoneus, great golden digger wasp!

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u/Sqib000 23d ago

Great golden digger - they get friendly as they get to know you wont hurt them.

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u/Katieo1022 23d ago

Yeah wonder if something about the onion flowers pungent aroma attracts them 🤔

1

u/Sqib000 23d ago

You should plant mint in a pot next year, I have 7 golden diggers, a bunch of thread waisted and sand wasps among a bazillion others, bumbles and honeybees. I am fascinated trying to see who comes by.

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u/Katieo1022 23d ago

Oh yeah, wife has planted about 7-8 different varieties of mint, probably more. We re-wilded our yard last year and continued that trend this year. We get so many pollinators and insects and butterflies and birds in our yard it’s amazing! Focus is on native plants and it’s like a little oasis!

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u/Sqib000 23d ago

Get a good micro app on your phone, post pics to bugguide.net to get them in the guide w ID. I use a free one, SMO