insect · GBIF taxon 6128918
Tarantula Hawk
Pepsis grossaAlso known as Spider Wasp, Pepsis Wasp
Tarantula hawks are massive spider wasps easily recognized by their metallic blue-black bodies and contrasting bright orange or dark wings. Females hunt large tarantulas on the ground, paralyzing them with an excruciating sting before dragging them into a burrow to serve as a living food source for a single larva. Adults are surprisingly docile nectar-feeders that spend their days visiting flowers or searching for mates on hilltop trees.
StingingSolitary WaspDesert Dweller
Licensed reference(c) Seth Wollney, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Adults feed on flower nectar and fermented fruit; larvae feed exclusively on paralyzed tarantulas.
- family
- Pompilidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, pesticide use, and collection by insect enthusiasts.
- life Span
- Approximately 1 year
NE
Females deliver an excruciatingly painful sting if handled; observe from a safe distance without disturbing.
Females possess a powerful sting that delivers venom causing immediate, debilitating pain rated among the most intense in the insect world.
Never attempt to catch, touch, or corner this wasp; if one flies near you, remain still and let it pass.- Keep your distance: Give these wasps plenty of space, especially when they are actively walking on the ground searching for burrows.
- Watch the wings: Look for the characteristic wing-flicking behavior, which indicates the wasp is actively hunting or excited.
- Observe on flowers: Watch adults safely as they docilely feed on milkweed, mesquite, or desert willow blossoms.