Sphex Pennsylvanica, aka The Katydid Killer

So some kid came by the other day, took a pipe and gave that wasp nest in our front yard a royal beating. I think he has anger issues. Anyway, it saves the bug guys a trip of having to come out here now.

Then this morning I saw one on the pavement and it didn't seem frightened or eager to act out vengeance on me, so I got my camera out and took a few pictures.

I guess this black wasp is called a sphex pennsylvanica, also known as Katydid Killer. I guess they only like to pick on weak little Katydid bugs,
which explains why they didn't attack that kid and carry him away to some underground cave somewhere and make him their servant.