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An aggregation of Sphex pensylvanicus nesting in soil behind a retaining wall on a residential lot in Sioux City (Iowa, USA) was observed over fifteen years. Many encounters of carriage of paralyzed prey (katydids) are reported, and instances when the prey was taken from the wasps are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of Sphex pensylvanicus wasps was observed in the presence of live potential prey items (katydids) under artificial conditions in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. When a prey item was not attacked (17 out of 20 instances) wasps engaged in what looks like "displacement preening" of her antennae using her legs. In the three instances when stinging behavior was noted, the katydid appeared to have been stung ventrally behind the head. One of the three instances is suggestive of a prey item favored over another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the predatory behavior of the Great Black Wasp, Sphex pensylvanicus Linnaeus, 1763, based on examination of its captive prey Gladiator Meadow Katylid, Orchelimum gladiator Bruner which was done on August 28, 2017.