Sphex pensylvanicus Linnaeus 1763. Distributed
transcontinentally in North America, except for northwestern states
(Krombein 1979). Sphex pensylvanicus appears to be less common
throughout its range than S. ichneumoneus. Most Michigan records are
from the SLP, and it appears that it is absent from the extreme NLP
and UP.
BIOLOGY: This wasp nests in soft ground, usually in sheltered
locations. Prey are katydids (Tettigoniidae), with Scudderia
spp. commonly reported. The oblique burrow contains several cells
with 2 - 6 prey in each (Reinhard 1929, Frisch 1938, Krombein 1979,
F.E. Kurczewski pers. comm.).
FLOWER RECORDS: Asclepias spp., Daucus carota,
Eryngium yuccafolium, Melilotus alba.
COLLECTION DATES: 68 specimens, 19 June to 5 September. Most
dates are from late July to mid-August.
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