Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis spp.)

Like spider wasps, the Tarantula Hawk wasp uses a paralyzing sting to immobilize its prey, including tarantulas, hence the name. Once the tarantula is captured, the wasp brings it to a specially prepared burrow. Then, it lays a single egg on the spider’s body. When the larva hatches, it begins feeding on the still-living tarantula. 

This solitary wasp measures an average of two inches in length. It has a blue-black body with rust-colored wings.

Despite their gruesome hunting methods, Tarantula Hawks are relatively harmless to humans. They generally reserve their potent sting for their prey. However, if you do provoke them, they can give you an excruciating sting. 

Unlike their larvae, adult Tarantula Hawks eat nectar, with a strong fondness for milkweed. 

Before moving on to other types of wasps, here’s something to remember: Did you know that all hornets are wasps, but not all wasps are hornets?