I spotted a Horse Guard Wasp nectaring on Water Smartweed at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, and of course I had to photograph the wasp.

Horse Guard Wasp nectaring on a Water Smartweed, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaHorse Guard Wasp nectaring on a Water Smartweed – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/250, ISO 1000, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

I wasn’t completely sure what species it was at first, so I checked iNaturalist to help with the ID. I always prefer to give credit where credit is due, and here’s what I learned about the wasp I photographed.

These wasps are slender, with narrow waists, long legs, black bodies with yellow markings, and clear wings. Adults are about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch long. These wasps can be found in open fields, pastures, meadows, and sandy spots where horse flies are common. They often fly low over the grass or stop at flowers for a sip of nectar.

Horse Guard Wasps are actually quite good to have around horses and other livestock because they get rid of the flies and horses aren’t bothered by them.

Horse Guard Wasp at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaHorse Guard Wasp at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/250, ISO 1000, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

Water Smartweed is a perennial that grows along the edges of lakes, rivers, and wetlands, sometimes floating or partially submerged. Its lance-shaped leaves and clusters of small pink flowers attract all kinds of pollinators, including this wasp.

Female Horse Guard Wasps are solitary and stock their burrows with plenty of prey. Each burrow has several chambers, and for each egg, the female captures and paralyzes 30 to 60 horse flies to feed the developing larva. After the burrow is stocked, she lays a single egg in a chamber and seals it. These wasps don’t form colonies, though several may nest near one another if the soil is just right.

Watching this small winged predator feeding on Water Smartweed is a good reminder that even tiny wildflowers in a wetland can support a surprising amount of activity.

Life is good.

Mia

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