The Thread-Waisted Wasp (Ammophila pictipennis) is an ambush predator that will attack small worms, spiders, or other insects. It carries the prey back to the nest made out of packed dirt and stores it with its eggs. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the treat left by the mother. Adults are excellent pollinators and feed on the nectar from flowering plants, such as this firebush, or small insects, including those pesky aphids. They are relatively docile, but if they feel threatened will attack defensively. However, they would much rather save their energy for something they can eat.
