By Muhammad Mahdi Karim - Own work, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7225985
American Sand Wasp
American Sand Wasps are about 2 to 2.5 cm long. They are mostly black with white markings. Some also have yellow on them. They have three green eyes, and their wings are clear with brown veins.
Although American Sand Wasps prefer sandy soil, they build in other kinds of soil as long as it has no vegetation in it. Nests are shallow, only about 10 to 27cm underground. The males do a dance above a nesting area in hopes of being the first to be seen by a female. The females lay 1 to 3 eggs in a tunnel that she digs. It then supplies the larva with 20 to 30 flies or other small insects to nourish them until they pupate.
They sting their prey to paralyze them so that it is easier to carry them back to their nests. They do not sting humans or mammals. Some species of flies will lay an egg on the larvae in hopes they will mature first and be able to kill the wasp first.
What do you love about this particular creature?
What do they reveal to you about God and our faith?
I admire the American Sand Wasp because they focus their lives on caring for their young. They do all they can to ensure the eggs will pupate. Adult wasps feed on flower nectar, and so they aid other species in surviving by being pollinators.
Humans are also called by God to use their time and energy to conserve and care for creation. We can all find ways to protect creation. All the species in an ecosystem need to work together to create a healthy environment for all.
Humans are more easily distracted from focusing on our commitment to God and nature.
Author - The Rev. Ellen Adams
The Rev. Ellen Adams is a deacon who supports the Pollinator-Pathway movement and reducing our reliance on plastics by collaborating with other like-minded people. She still owns the wooded land she was lucky to grow up in.
O Creator God, you are known by your loving embrace of the undeserving and those who suffer: Grant us sight of your justice and conviction to love all creatures; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Creation Collect (Proper 21 Year C) from Season of Creation, A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes