Clockwork Hymenoptera: Procer

Since 1999, born of science fiction, fact and fable, Insect Lab customizes preserved insect specimens with antique watch parts and mechanical components. From beetles to grasshoppers to dragonflies, each handmade by Mike Libby is a spirited and luxurious celebration of biology and engineering. Scoliidae is a family of solitary wasps commonly known as scoliid wasps, recognized for their large size and important role as parasitoids of scarab beetle larvae. Megascolia procer is one of the largest species within this family, distinguished by its robust body, glossy black coloration, and striking yellow abdominal markings. Like other scoliid wasps, the females seek out beetle grubs in the soil, where they lay a single egg on the host. The developing larva feeds on the beetle grub, helping to naturally regulate scarab beetle populations. The bold black-and-yellow coloration of Megascolia procer serves as aposematic, or warning, coloration, signaling to potential predators that the wasp is capable of delivering a painful sting if threatened.