Panama-fauna
Guides
Pygodasis ephippium
Saddleback Scoliid Wasp
A large scoliid wasp reaching approximately 4 cm in length, with striking black and orange coloration. Males possess long antennae, slender bodies, and a conspicuous pseudostinger at the abdomen tip; females are more robust with shorter antennae and a functional retractable stinger. The species has been recorded as a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs and as a flower visitor. Originally known from south Texas south to Ecuador, with more recent records from Arizona and Panama.