Tarantula hawk paralyzed a tarantula, Caquetá, Colombia

As we came into this section of the trail, we saw an enormous insect flying, which soon settled above us (top photo). A tarantula hawk, a type of spider wasp. Our guide Manuel then noticed a tarantula directly next to his feet (bottom photo).

The tarantula was paralyzed, very likely by the spider wasp. It was waiting for us to leave, so that it could go on with its business. That business would be dragging the tarantula (imagine the strength needed for this) to a specially prepared burrow. Next, the wasp will lay a single egg on the tarantula. As the egg hatches, the larva starts eating the insides of the tarantula, whilst still alive. And it gets even worse: it knows to dodge vital organs as to keep the tarantula alive and fresh for the maximum amount of time.