Insects and Spiders

Great Golden Digger Wasp

What a little tease. I kept seeing a glimpse of bright gold and bright orange so I chased this wasp for several moments. It was quite shy, staying on the side away from me. This was the best shot I was able to get but fortunately, it was enough to make the ID. With the fuzzy golden hairs on the head and thorax and a bright orange and black abdomen with orange legs, it turned out to be a species I'd never seen before.
Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus)
Southern Marsh Fleabane wildflower (Pluchea odorata var. odorata)

Sphex ichneumoneusGreat Golden Digger Waspwaspnative waspinsectbugpollinatornectarfeedingeatingpollinatewhite rock lakedallas texassunset bayPluchea odorata var. odorataSweetscentSouthern Marsh Fleabanewildflowertexas wildflowernative wildflowermarshpollinatorshiddennew species for me