Existing comment:
Attention Parents:
If you see these insects in the playground, please do not be alarmed. Although they resemble yellow jackets or hornets, they are SAND WASPS -- a nonagressive species unlikely to sting.
You will typically see them flying just about the surface or tunneling in sand. Their habit of hovering uncomfortably close to people for the purpose of catching flies for their young is often mistaken for aggression. They are in fact even-tempered and can even be trained to eat live flies out of your hand.
They perform a valuable function in reducing the fly population. |