Black Wasp

Quick Take

• A stunned black wasp looks dead, though acting on that assumption could be a painful mistake. See what actually works →
• Female and male black wasps look so different, most people assume they're separate species entirely. See the size differences →
• Flyswatters are surprisingly useless against black wasps, so here is what actually works. Explore removal methods →
• Black wasps share a common ancestor with bees and ants, though the timeline of when they split is far older than most people expect. Trace their ancient origins →

The black wasp, which is often referred to as the Great Black Wasp, is a large wasp, and it is grouped with other insects under the digger wasp species. It goes by the scientific name Sphex pensylvanicus. They are found all across North America. They survive in many different climates because of their adaptability. They are found across most of North America and are perhaps most abundant along forest edges in deciduous woodlands, gardens, and fields with scattered trees.

5 Incredible Black Wasp Facts

• The female great black wasps are much bigger than the males, which are surprisingly small.
• These insects can grow up to 1.4 inches in length.
• When the Great Black Wasp is stunned, it will appear to be dormant and motionless. However, they are still alive and very dangerous.
• The black wasp is a subterranean insect, which means that it usually stays under the ground.
• They belong to a species of digger wasp.

Evolution and Origins

The phrase “black wasp” can be used for many different species of wasp. In general, wasps are believed to have evolved from a common ancestor with bees and ants around 145 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.

Black wasps, like all wasps, have undergone significant changes and adaptations over millions of years to fit into different environments and better survive in different situations.

Symphyta, a group of Hymenoptera that includes Xyelidae, was first found in fossil records during the Late Triassic period. Apocrita, which includes a variety of wasps, first appeared in the Jurassic period and, by the Cretaceous period, had developed into many different superfamilies.

Black wasps are believed to have evolved from the Symphyta group.

Species, Types, and Scientific Name

These insects are known by the scientific name Sphex pensylvanicus. They belong to the species of digger wasp and are known to be found across North America. The females of the species are bigger than the males. The word “sphex” is very direct, and it is the literal word for “wasp” in Ancient Greek. The word “pensylvanicus” is a variation of Pennsylvania, which is an eastern state in the United States.

Appearance

As the name suggests, the great black wasp is black. Unlike other wasps, these wasps do not have any markings or stripes on their bodies, which makes them relatively easy to identify. These insects have a typical body for a wasp, with large wings and a narrowed midsection in their small body. Their entire abdomen is a deep black hue.

The female black wasp is easily the more unique of the species, showing an incredible size advantage over the male. The species often measures between 0.8 and 1.4 inches, though the female great black wasp protects itself with a powerful stinger.

These wasps appear to have a semi-gloss black appearance, made only starker by the wings folding flat onto their body. Their spiny legs can make the insect seem even more intimidating.

These insects are relatively solitary, grouped with other wasps that hunt and sting.

Diet

The great black wasps are subterranean insects, allowing them to build nests beneath the surface. This area is the best place for them to build a nest and care for their young.

These insects are natural hunters, which is why they will go after katydids, grasshoppers, crickets, and other fleshy insects. In some cases, these wasps will also consume other insects they have stored before the larvae are ready to fend for themselves.

Prevention

While coexisting with these insects in the environment is important, these insects could be a nuisance that threatens your ability to feel safe at home. Leaving them to thrive in the home can cause irritation or discomfort, much like the other insects that might surround you.

For the most humane way to deter these bugs or a nest, a non-insecticide spray may be the best way to get rid of them. This spray stops the insect from being able to fly. There are also non-toxic mint sprays that can be used in the home and garden, protecting plants from damage as well. In some cases, it is possible to use a cleaning spray to saturate the wasps.

If getting rid of it alive is not an option for you, you could hit it with a heavy object. This would most likely kill the wasp. It is important to note that flyswatters do not usually work with the great black wasps.

If you are not scared of the insect, you could pick it up using gloves and place it under a fly swatter, and then take it outside your home. Interestingly, it could be difficult to determine if the wasp is dead, as it may only be stunned and can remain motionless.