Tarantula Hawk (Pepsini)

Despite the name “Tarantula Hawk” the Pepsini is neither a bird of prey nor a tarantula, in fact it is a type of wasp. This wasp is approximately 2 inches (~5 cm) long and are found on every continent excluding Europe and Antarctica. The females prey on tarantulas to provide food for their larvae while the males are nectavores. The females have a venom in their stinger that paralyzes the tarantula, transports the tarantula back to its nest, lays eggs in the tarantula’s abdomen, and seals it in the burrow. Once the eggs hatch they eat the tarantula from the inside, out, while the spider is still alive, this continues for several weeks. The males lack the stinger that the females have which is approximately .25 inches (~6 mm), and reported to be the second most painful insect sting. Very few animals risk getting stung in order to make a meal of this insect.