Marimbondo-tatu (Armadillo wasp)

Description:

Synoeca is a genus of eusocial paper wasps found in the Americas. Commonly known as warrior wasps or drumming wasps, these insects are known for aggressive behavior, a threat display consisting of multiple insects guarding a nest beating their wings in a synchronized fashion, and an extremely painful sting. Synoeca is one of only three insect types (the others being the bullet ant and the tarantula hawk) to receive a rating of 4 or higher on insect sting pain indices such as the Schmidt sting pain index. (Wikipedia)

Habitat:

The genus has a wide range within the Americas, with specimens being found in the tropical and subtropical portions thereof. S. septentrionalis is generally found in the northern part of the range, having been observed as far north as Mexico, throughout Central America and northern South America; the southern part of its range extends into Brazil. The other species in the genus are predominantly found in South America, as far south as Argentina. Synoeca thrives in tropical rainforests, building arboreal nests in trees, typically on the underside of major branches. A single comb is built directly on the tree trunk; and the nests have a characteristic shape which resembles an armadillo, leading to common vernacular names such as marimbondo-tatu or armadillo wasp. (Wikipedia)

Notes:

This is one of the - if not just THE - most beautiful wasps I've ever seen. It was slightly larger than a common paper wasp.