according to bug guide, there are 24 species within the genus, north of mexico. this was found in mid-april on a tartarian honeysuckle shrub, just leafing out.

most wasps are entirely harmless. many do not even possess a stinger. even social wasps, those that nest in colonies, such as yellowjackets and some other of the paper wasps, only get agitated if you get too close to, or disturb their nest. we should also remember that many wasps are important pollinators.