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A Tarantula Killer by Host This "spider wasp" is commonly referred to as the Tarantula Hawk. It seeks out by smell the largest spider of the Arizona desert the tarantulas. An incredible feat of attaching its larvae to the host which eventually devours it over the course of about 35 days until maturity. The host dies in the 5th instar. Hemipepsis ustulata,spider wasp,tarantula hawk Click/tap to enlarge

A Tarantula Killer by Host

This "spider wasp" is commonly referred to as the Tarantula Hawk. It seeks out by smell the largest spider of the Arizona desert the tarantulas. An incredible feat of attaching its larvae to the host which eventually devours it over the course of about 35 days until maturity. The host dies in the 5th instar.

    comments (7)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
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    Did you every find and photograph a Tarantula in Arizona? Posted 10 years ago
    1. View Stephen Philips's profile
      Stephen Philips
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      Funny thing. They are so common I haven't taken any pictures of them. More funny, I caught one and bought an aquarium to keep it in as a pet. Had it for 7 months, not one picture... what's up with that??
       Posted 10 years ago
      1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
        Ferdy Christant
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        That's just weird, how is a tarantula not worth a shot :) Posted 10 years ago
        1. View Stephen Philips's profile
          Stephen Philips
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          Weird, more like reprehensible! Posted 10 years ago
  3. View WildFlower's profile
    WildFlower
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    How did you come up with this ID, Steve? Is it the only species found in the region?
    According to the description: It is difficult to distinguish Hemipepsis from their Pepsis relatives. However, Pepsis tend to be a more metallic black with a deep blue striped patterning. Since their biology and appearance is so similar, the only reliable way to tell them apart is by their wing venation patterns.     Posted 10 years ago
    1. View Stephen Philips's profile
      Stephen Philips
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      Well that is a good question. I researched based on the region and local museum information. It, at first, appeared to be pretty straight forward but as you pointed out it is possible it could be Pepsis grossa which is very common in this region. I am suspecting that if I can't make a concise ID I shouldn't tag best guess? Posted 10 years ago, modified 10 years ago
      1. View WildFlower's profile
        WildFlower
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        I'm afraid the wing venation is not clear on this photo and because it is mostly in the shade, it's hard to tell if it has any blue.
        http://bugeric.blogspot.com/2013/01/wasp-wednesay-hemipepsis-ustulata.html
        http://bugeric.blogspot.com/2012/11/wasp-wednesday-pepsis-grossa.html
        http://bugguide.net/node/view/703332         Posted 10 years ago

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The Flamed Tarantula-hawk Wasp

''Hemipepsis ustulata'' is a species of tarantula hawk native to the Southwestern United States. Tarantula hawks are a large, conspicuous family of long legged wasps which prey on tarantulas. They use their long legs to grapple with their tarantula prey before paralyzing them with a powerful sting. Their stings are ranked second most painful in the insect world.

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Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants
Species identified by Stephen Philips
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By Stephen Philips

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Uploaded May 30, 2015.
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