Tarantula Hawk Wasp — printable fact sheet

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Tarantula Hawk Wasp

Pepsis grossa

The Tarantula Hawk Wasp is a large, striking species of spider wasp known for its vivid metallic blue-black body and bright orange wings. Renowned for its powerful sting, it preys on tarantulas, paralyzing them and using their bodies as living food for its larvae. These wasps ar…

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Pompilidae

Habitat

Desert and semi-arid regions

Diet

Carnivore (larvae), Nectarivore (adults)

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

1-2 years

Weight

0.5–1.0 grams

Scientific name

Pepsis grossa

Did you know?

The sting of a Tarantula Hawk Wasp is so intense that it can incapacitate large predators, yet it lasts only about five minutes.
Tarantula Hawk Wasps have one of the most painful stings of any insect. Only female wasps hunt tarantulas, while males feed solely on nectar. Their vivid coloration serves as a warning to potential predators.

What I learned

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