This native cicada killer wasp (Sphecius speciosus) has taken a break from controlling the cicada population to enjoy some nectar from the bush ivy. She is in good company of another native species - Blue winged wasp (Scolia dubia), which prey on Japanese beetle grubs. These wasps are quite selective in their preference of food source. So far we noticed that they like Agave ovatifolia, Bigelowia nuttallii, and pictured here Hedera helix forma poetarum 'Poetica Arboreum.' Insect experts are welco