Beneficial Insect - Blue Wing Wasp

Wasp is a general term that refers to a group of related insects in the order Hymenoptera.  Blue-winged wasps are members of the order Hymenoptera and the Scoliidae family.  

Blue-winged wasps are solitary wasps and have a stinger. The stinger is primarily used to subdue prey such as spiders, cicadas and beetles.  These are beneficial insects.  It is important to know how to distinguish between social and solitary wasps, since solitary wasps rarely require control.

Blue-winged wasp (Scolia dubia)

Blue-winged wasps are about 20-25mm long, blue-black, with blackish purple wings. There are two yellow stripes, one on each side of the abdomen. Their bodies are fairly hairy and the back part of the abdomen is covered with reddish hairs. They are generally seen flying over the lawn during the day, leaving in early evening. Scoliids are beneficial wasps and parasitic on grubs. They are not aggressive and generally do not attack people. They disappear at the end of the season and help control the beetle grubs. Adults are often seen visiting golden rod flowers in late summer.

The presence of Blue-winged wasps may mean that there is a green June beetle, Japanese beetle or May beetle grub infestation.


Additional Information

Xerces Staff Pollinator Pick #3 Blue Winged Wasp

Florida Scoliid Wasps - University of Florida UF/IFAS

Identification of Bees and Wasps