The incredibly thin 'waist' on this wasp led to its name.
Adults feed on flower nectar, but larvae are parasitic.
Females use their paralyzing sting to disable caterpillars and other insects. These unfortunate victims are then brought to an underground burrow (previously dug out by the female) to become food for the wasp's larva.
16mm to 55mm (0.63in to 2.17in)