Insect Facts on the Great Golden Digger Wasp

The scientific name for the great golden digger wasp is Sphex ichneuomoneus, according to Texas A&M University. Wasps do not defend their nests and are not aggressive insects. The great golden digger wasp is closely related to the giant cicada killer wasp. The great golden digger wasp is found in North America, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Great golden digger wasps typically like to live in areas that are sunny and have compacted clay and sand, flowers with nectar and crickets, kaytids and grasshoppers for their larvae.

  1. Considerations

    • Unlike other wasps, the great golden digger wasp is an independent wasp that does not live in colonies, according to Cirrus Image. However, sometimes multiple females will work on a nest together for a short period of time with males hovering in the vicinity.

      Female great golden digger wasps will dig vertical burrows when laying their eggs. After creating the vertical burrow, they will place a dead or paralyzed insect inside. This insect will provide food for the wasp that hatches from the egg that she lays on it.

    Size

    • Great golden digger wasps range from 1/2 to slightly over 1 inch in length, according to Texas A&M University.

    Time Frame

    • Female great golden digger wasps lay their eggs between May and August, according to Texas A&M University. During each breeding season a single female golden digger wasp will create as many as half a dozen nests. There is usually not vegetation around the nest. The majority of nests are found in full sunlight and are generally exposed. Nests are created in the soil a few inches deep before eggs are laid.

    Characteristics

    • Adult golden digger wasps are very active insects that will take nectar from a variety of flowers, according to Cirrus Image. These insects have a black head and thorax that's lightly covered in golden hair. The front of their legs are a reddish orange color. Large amber wings are also characteristic of the great golden digger wasp.

    Diet

    • Adult great golden digger wasps feed mainly on nectar, according to Texas A&M University. However, baby or larvae golden digger wasps feed on crickets, grasshoppers and katydids that are deposited in the nest by the female when laying her eggs.

    Size

    • The wings of the great golden digger wasp are so large that they make a rustling noise when they fly, according to Cirrus Image.