Interesting wasp on our magnolia.

Question: We have a magnolia that is infested with some bugs we cannot kill and it is dumping out huge amounts of sap. The bees are going wild and feeding on the easy meal. One of the bugs flying around is a wasp-like critter, some of which are a solid two inches long. I have no expertise, but they look kind of like a Cicada Killer wasp, but the coloration is subtly different, more reddish brown and are bigger than noted for the Cicada Killers. I tried for some decent pictures but was not able to get much other than one staring me down before it flew off to another part of the tree. Any guesses as to what we have?
The wasp is slightly above center, a little to the right in the picture, reddish-brown blob. Staring me down...

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 22, 2023, 10:27 PM EDT
response: Good Evening Douglas,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  I believe the critter might be a hummingbird moth: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/hummingbird_moth.shtml As for your magnolia tree, you might do a close up inspection of the branches and leaves of the tree. It might have magnolia scale which is causing the honeydew: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-61 Here is another link about honeydew and scale insects: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT
response: Good morning Maureen:                 Thank you for your response to my inquiry. I have seen the hummingbird moths before, and these things are definitely not moths – they are definitely wasps. They have a hard exo-skeleton vs the soft body of a moth but their scale is much bigger than a normal wasp. I sprayed a couple with wasp and hornet killer to have something to show you and they flew to a different spot on the tree and then flew away. Perhaps they died elsewhere, but there was not the usual knock-down I get with wasps. They also seem to be more wary than the usual wasps, or I would try to suck one up with a shop vac. If I can get you a clearer picture I will send it on for review. Have a great Monday.   Doug   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2023 9:27 PM To: Doug Stone <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Interesting wasp on our magnolia. (#0111802)

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 25, 2023, 8:43 AM EDT
response: Doug,  I tried to look up large wasps on the internet. Yes, I'd surely like to look at one if you catch one as they are big!  Good luck with your magnolia. Many people have lost their magnolias.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2023, 9:53 AM EDT
response: Here are a couple of shots from this morning. I have not tried the shop vac to catch one yet, although early this morning they did not seem to be as wary. The bug is basically in the center of all of these, but you may have to do a little hunting to find them. I look forward to identifying them. Thanks for your help.   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2023 7:44 AM To: Doug Stone <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Interesting wasp on our magnolia. (#0111802)

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 26, 2023, 7:44 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!