Isodontia mexicana, (Saussure, 1867) Grass-carrying Wasp.
Length:18 to 20mm
Flight Season: June to September.
Family: Sphecidae.
Isodontia mexicana is a species of wasp that originates from the North America countries, it has now expanded its range mainly around the Mediterranean countries; apparently this species is an accidental introduction from the USA.
Habitat: Sandy soils, scrub land, wherever they can find their prey.
Preying mainly on grasshoppers, bush and tree-crickets. The adult wasp will paralise a small orthoptera (which is an order of insects, including grasshoppers, locusts and crickets) to feed their emerging larvae.
Nests are mainly found in hollowed branches and various natural cavies. Will also take advantage of using nests of other species, they line the inside of their nests with grass, hence the name, Grass-carrying wasp.