Wasp on a mission

Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

I wouldn't have believed it, had it not happened right in front of me.

I was potting up some viburnums (imagine that!) when I noticed this wasp-like creature flitting about, and than landing on the ground. Looking closer, I saw that this flying insect had quite a catch that it was hauling (in reverse) over quite a bit of territory - and at a rapid rate for the relative size. I only had time to focus for two images before these were gone up in the bushes (bigger viburnums, natch).

Who might this wasp (or imitator) be?

Thumbnail by ViburnumValley
Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

Another image, with predator and prey partially obscured at the middle right side...

Thumbnail by ViburnumValley
(Zone 7a)

I've been going crossed-eyed looking at pictures of wasps and kin and all I can find are parasitic wasps(too small) and spider killers(red, not black). They do not look like yours. I hope someone comes along who can tell us because my interest is high.

BTW, great pics!

Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

Thanks, kwanjin - but it was just luck to be working there when the activity happened.

I'm going to sit down to pot up more viburnums this weekend. Maybe this forager will be hungry again then.

(Zone 7a)

No problem. ^_^

San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b)

There are some spider killers that have this coloration. How large was the wasp? I have been trying to identify a Pepsis (tarantula hawk wasp) and have seen some photos of ones that inhabit California that look like your wasp.

Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

I would estimate that the wasp was about an inch long.

San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b)

Due to it size, it is not a tarantula hawk wasp. It has to be some kind of spider wasp. but I haven't found it yet.

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