The hairy flower wasp (Scolia hirta) is a striking, solitary insect native to Central and Southern Europe. Females of the species hunt the subterranean larvae of scarab beetles, digging through the soil to deliver a precise sting that permanently paralyzes the grub before laying a single egg on its body. Upon hatching, the wasp larva slowly consumes its still-living host. In stark contrast to their carnivorous youth, adult hairy flower wasps feed exclusively on nectar and pollen; their preference for clustered inflorescences, such as thistles, makes them highly effective pollinators. Though imposing in size—reaching up to 2.5 cm—these wasps lack colonies or nests to defend, making them exceptionally docile creatures that will generally only sting if directly grabbed or crushed. While staying on the island of Spetses, I spent a few days observing several of these fascinating wasps actively foraging in the garden, capturing numerous photos of them in action.