It is black in color, with yellow markings across the thorax, on the sides, and on the first three abdominal segments. The legs are yellowish with the middle tibiae having 2 spurs at the tip. The wings are a dusky, brownish color. These insects live at the edge of forests and also like to frequent city parks, so as to find bits and pieces of food left over from picnics or other gatherings. They are found throughout North America and exist on nectar and food scraps with the larvae feeding on prechewed Cicadas.
Numerous females join efforts in building nests out of light clay or sandy soil.
These nests all branch together and have two or three cells at the ends of the tunnels. The front legs are used in digging, and the hind legs are used for kicking the loose dirt out behind them. The nest entrance is usually left open , while the females go hunting for Cicadas. Each victim is treated to a paralyzing sting and is carried back to the nest. One or two of the Cicadas are placed in each cell, with an egg being layed on top of the insects.