syngoniums:

It’s been ages since I last saw a tarantula hawk, but I found this one this evening on prairie parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii). There are actually about 3 genera and numerous species of wasps referred to as tarantula hawks; this one was at least 1.5in/38mm, and I’m leaning towards Hemipepsis sp. due to its more matte black color, though it’s difficult to be sure unless you can actually study fine details like wing venation. Sadly, between the breeze and fading sunlight, I couldn’t get a great picture.

The name “tarantula hawk” derives from the fact that they paralyze large spiders and tarantulas and lay their eggs on them (one per spider), so their larvae have something to eat while they grow. They also have a very painful sting. Unfortunately this has lead to a lot of sensationalism and mistreatment; YouTube alone features multiple videos of various morons antagonizing the wasps into stinging them, claiming educational value while glossing over the fact that they’re pointlessly tormenting an animal that would have minded its own business if left alone. Just let them be if you find one.