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Blue-winged wasp

Blue-winged wasp

Scolia dubia

A species of Scolia, Also known as Two-spotted scoliid wasp, Blue-winged digger wasp

The blue-winged wasp (Scolia dubia) has a solid black body, but the end of its abdomen is reddish-brown. It rarely stings unless it feels threatened. The female wasps burrow in the ground and lay their eggs on the grub of another bug. Then, when the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the grub that they were attached to.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Blue-winged wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Blue-winged wasp
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Attributes of Blue-winged wasp
Colors
Black
Yellow
Orange
Habitat
temperate habitat; field; meadow; lawn; grassland; suburban area; agricultural area
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen from flowers, floral honeydew, plant sap, other sugary plant secretions
Larva Food Source
Larvae of scarab beetles, june bug larvae, japanese beetle grubs, chafer grubs, other soil-dwelling beetle larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Blue-winged wasp feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Blue-winged wasp typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Blue-winged wasp
It ranges from New England to Florida and west to the Rocky Mountains in North America.
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Distribution Area of Blue-winged wasp
United States, New England, Florida
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Appearance of Blue-winged wasp
It is a 2 - 2.5 cm long wasp.The head, thorax, and first two abdominal segments are black, while the remainder of the abdomen is red with two bright yellow spots on the third abdominal segment. The distal section of the blue-black wings has longitudinal wrinkles.
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How to Identify Blue-winged wasp?

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Life Cycle of Blue-winged wasp
Egg The embryonic stage begins when the female blue-winged wasp deposits eggs. At this stage, the fertilized eggs are small, elongated, and typically yellow or white. They are often laid in or near a food source.
Larva Emerging from the egg, the larval blue-winged wasp is legged, worm-like, and grows rapidly, often white or cream-colored. It does not resemble the adult blue-winged wasp, focusing mainly on feeding and growth.
Pupal After gorging and reaching sufficient size, the larval blue-winged wasp enters the pupal stage, during which it undergoes transformation. Inside the pupal case, it gradually takes the shape and traits of the adult blue-winged wasp.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult blue-winged wasp’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Blue-winged wasp
1.3 - 1.8 cm
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Interesting Facts About Blue-winged wasp
Blue-winged wasp can perform a specialized behavior known as 'hill-topping,' where males gather at high points in the landscape to compete for females.
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Scientific Classification of Blue-winged wasp
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Genus
Scolia
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Tips for Finding Blue-winged wasp
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Youth Habitat of Blue-winged wasp
Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Habitat Preferences of Blue-winged wasp Through Different Life Stages
The larval stage of blue-winged wasp is found in the soil where the larvae feed on grubs. To search for larvae, you would look for loose soil or small mounds indicating beneath-surface activity, often in well-drained areas like gardens. The adult blue-winged wasp is typically seen in open, sunny habitats including meadows, gardens, and fields. They are often observed visiting flowers for nectar during the day. When searching for adults, one should check sunlit flowers and the surrounding air space, as these insects are strong fliers and may be seen in flight, particularly in warm weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Blue-winged wasp at Different Life Stages
Adult Blue-winged wasp adults are usually found on flowers, especially those in open, sunny areas. Look for them when the sun is fully up and the flowers are actively being visited by other pollinators.
Larva Blue-winged wasp larvae are internal parasites of grubs. To find them, one might need to dig into the soil where host grubs are suspected to be present, such as in lawns or areas with high beetle activity.
Pupal During the pupal stage, blue-winged wasp is often underground and therefore difficult to locate. However, if the area of larval activity is known, careful excavation may reveal the pupae.
Egg Blue-winged wasp eggs are laid on or near host larvae and are very small. They are usually located by observing adult blue-winged wasp behavior, as females may be seen drilling into soil to deposit eggs on host larvae.
Are Blue-winged wasp harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Blue-winged wasp
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Animals

Blue-winged wasp utilizes a sting as a means to procure prey, secreting venom that is typically mild in intensity. While targeting primarily other smaller flying insects, the venom can also affect various animals like humans and domesticated mammals, such as dogs, if they come into contact. Reactions to the sting can range from localized discomfort to more systemic responses, though severity is usually limited. The adult organism possesses the ability to sting, which can cause discomfort and potential harm to other animals.

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Does the Blue-winged wasp sting humans?

Blue-winged wasp typically does not sting humans and is not considered aggressive. They reserve their stinging primarily for predation and self-defense. If provoked, females might sting, as males lack a stinger. Stings to humans are rare and usually occur when the wasp is mishandled or threatened.

More Effects of Blue-winged wasp

Beneficial Effects of Blue-winged wasp
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Blue-winged wasp assists in plant pollination primarily by seeking out flowers for their pollen. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents, blue-winged wasp inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another while feeding. This process is crucial for the reproduction of many plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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