She was excavating a tunnel when I spotted her busy at work and moving very quickly!
Not sure is this correct species of spider wasps. Used this link to find special: http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/hymenopt/Episyron.htm
Seen around noon dragging large weaver spider up driveway. Temperature was 91F
Pompilidae - Spider Wasps, (Episyron conterminus) nectaring Sweet Alyssum (Alyssum maritimum), 10/17/2016, The Landing's Sparrow Field "Pollinator Garden Berm"
One landing on shrubs low to ground, along shore of American River. Thanks to Hartmut Wisch for initial ID confirmation.
Seen digging in dry dirt (see video):
https://youtu.be/RNdiOrnmRGk
The behavior is familiar: beats its wings rhythmically as it scoots along the ground
Members of this genus prey on orbweavers
It was filling in a hole -- I'm pretty sure it's some kind of ground-nesting wasp. Video at https://youtu.be/o0niiwyxius.
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Neuroptera
Family: Myrmeleontidae
Common Name: Antlion
Weather: Clear skies; 83°F
Other observations: Photo taken during night