Digger Wasps (Sphex)

Wasp species that tingle and paralyze their prey, then transport it back to their nest as food for their young, are frequently referred to as parasitic wasps.

Members of the Sphex genus, whose species are usually called digger wasps, fit into that category.

Digger wasps obtain their name based on their nest building method, which involves digging holes in the ground. Digger wasps come in a diversity of colors in addition to the approximately consistent steel blue to black color of the cricket hunter.