That was not an ordinary wasp

Lloyd Spitalnik sends in a clarification and some breathtaking shots:
[Note: Click on photos to see amazing details]

What you posted yesterday was actually a western subspecies seen for the first time in NY as far as we know. This is a big deal. The full name is Euodynerus hidalgo hidalgo. Here are two more images:





Lloyd continues: Below are images of the eastern subspecies Euodynerus hidalgo boreoorientalis. As you can see, these wasps are very variable. By the way, all my info comes from Nick Wagerik and Charles Matson plus Sandy's excellent research.

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Photos by Lloyd Spitalnik http://www.lloydspitalnikphotos.com

Note: Sandy is Lloyd's wife, another excellent birdwatcher.