This is a group of Sand Wasp gathering over a suitable patch of soil at the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Hutchins, Texas. The wasps seemed to be seeking out prime burrowing locations and competition was fierce. A wasp would find a promising spot and begin digging. Soon one or more other wasps would show up on the scene and try to drive the first away. Usually they were successful. Evidently it is easier to harass a burrowing site than to defend one!

The burrows will ultimately serve as a place for the wasps to lay their eggs. To that end there was a good deal of mating activity going on at this site as well.

Sand Wasp - Holes
Sand Wasp - Holes
Sand Wasp - Holes
Sand Wasp - Holes
Sand Wasp - Holes
Digging.
Digging.
Notice the piece of sand this wasp is lifting from the hole it is digging.
Notice the piece of sand this wasp is lifting from the hole it is digging.
Mating Sand Wasps with an odd man out.
Mating Sand Wasps with an odd man out.

Observation Details

CountyDallas
Hutchins - RWRC
CityHutchins
DateJul 27, 2013
Time of DayMidmorning
TemperatureHot (greater than 89°F/32°C)
WeatherPartly Cloudy
HabitatRecreation-Park
Type of BehaviorMating, Nesting
GenderMixed
MaturityAdult
ObserverChris Jackson

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