Fauna
Insect

Pepsis grossa

Pepsis grossa

Also known as Tarantula Hawk, Tarantula Hawk Wasp, Tarantula Wasp

Tarantula hawk wasps are famous for their metallic blue-black bodies and contrasting bright orange or dark wings. Females hunt large ground spiders, paralyzing them with a swift sting before dragging them into burrows to feed a single developing larva. Adults spend their days feeding peacefully on flower nectar and fermented fruit juices.

ParasitoidDesert InsectWarning Colors
Pepsis grossa reference1 / 5
(c) Seth Wollney, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDesert Tarantula, Flower Nectar, Tree Sap
Predators
  • Greater Roadrunner
  • Western Kingbird
  • Bullfrog
ThreatsHabitat disruption, pesticide application, and human persecution
HabitatsDeserts, arid grasslands, shrublands, and canyon bottoms
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPompilidae
  2. SpeciesPepsis grossa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Females deliver an intensely painful sting if restrained; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Injects venom with a powerful sting that ranks among the most excruciatingly painful insect stings known.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by its giant size, velvety blue-black body, and vivid orange or black wings.
What to do
Give the wasp room to move and never grab, step on, or corner an adult female.
Responsible observation
  • Give Space: Maintain a distance of a few meters when observing foraging females on blossoms.
  • Avoid Swatting: Do not make sudden movements or attempt to swat at wasps flying near you.
Related species
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