Digger wasp (Sphex flavipennis). Wasps in the genus Sphhex are predators that sting and paralyse insects. In preparation for egg laying, they construct a protected "nest" (some species dig nests in the ground, while others use pre-existing holes) and then stock it with captured insects. Typically, the prey are left alive, but paralyzed by wasp toxins. The wasps lay their eggs in the provisioned nest and the wasp larvae feed on the paralyzed insects as they develop. Podere Montecucco, Orvieto. Umbria, Italy June 2020.