Sphex lucae

Introduction:

The body is rather slender, the head and thorax black, the abdomen black to red, the two colors variously mingled in different examples, the males being generally much darker than the females; wings varying from yellowish hyaline with a fuliginous tinge to deep fuliginous with a violet reflection, legs dark ferruginous to black, Generally females have a tan abdomen and males are completely black.
Life Cycle: These solitary wasps are known for their communal roosting behavior, where males gather in large groups at night, and for hunting katydids to provision their underground nests.

Size 0.75-1 inch (20-28 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism:
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)