Skip to main content
Close

Tarantula Hawk.

Pepsis spp.

Photo by joanbstanley
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

31.1085, -97.4971

Field Notes

Description:

Tarantula Hawks (also known as spider wasps) grow up to 2 inches in length. They have a blue to black robust body which provides elusiveness and protection from their prey, the tarantula. Tarantula Hawk wings range from blue-black to red, orange, or mahogany in color. The coloring of the wings provides warning to potential predators of the Tarantula Hawk. This type of warning coloration is referred to as aposematic coloring. At the end of the wasp's legs they have hooked claws used for attaching themselves to other insects or plants and also for grappling with other insects. Female Tarantula Hawks have a stinger that can be up to 7 mm long and provides one of the most painful stings of any insect.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment

Sign in to comment

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon