October 24, 2025

I am known as a Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp

I am a parasitoid of the larvae of Beetles

Parasites feed on critters but don't kill their host

I kill beetles, but generally don't hurt people.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/insects/scoliid-wasp-in-turf/

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN745

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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May 30, 2022

I am a Florida Predatory Stink Bug

My friend the Large Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp said she'd give me a ride

My momma warned me that I never should trust them

But I don't.. huh.. that's funny... I don't feel my back side....

(Wasps like this sting their prey to paralyze them, then carry the prey back to their nest alive. When their eggs hatch, their larvae eat the still alive prey. This way, they have a fresh meal waiting for them when they hatch.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/IN/IN745/IN745-Dohpvimb1t.pdf

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 28, 2022

I am a Large Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp

I am a parasitoid of beetle babies

I sting and paralyze beetle larvae

Then my babies eat the larvae when they please.

Yes, this means that the beetle larvae is still alive, but can't move when the wasp larvae eat it. 

Location: WW Ranch Road, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Sebastian

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/wasps/scoliid_wasps.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson