Bee? Wasp? Something Else?

[bigskinny]

Hi,

I have a mason/leafcutter bee hive located in New Brunswick, Canada.

However, I've noticed a large insect that I cannot identify which seems to be taking over my little hive and seems to be using hay in the tunnels. If anyone could help identify it, that would be great. I'd like to know if it's a wasp or something that I don't want and should be removing.

Thanks!

[erebia]

That wasp appears to be Isodontia mexicana, a predator of snowy tree crickets. They are generally considered to be beneficial as snowy tree crickets can cause damage to various trees. Long strands of plant materials are used in packing the crickets inside the tunnels. The wasp larvae will feed on the crickets.