Ectemnius is a genus of solitary wasps belonging to the family Crabronidae. These insects are commonly known as sand wasps due to their preference for nesting in sandy soil. They are medium-sized wasps, typically measuring around 1-2 centimeters in length. Ectemnius wasps are known for their impressive hunting skills, as they capture and paralyze various types of prey, including flies and bees, to feed their larvae.