×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis species)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Tarantula Hawk


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/14
Image Credit: Rich C. from Moab, UT
Full-sized image of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image of the Tarantula-Hawk
2/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in CA
Full-sized image #2 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #2 of the Tarantula-Hawk
3/14
Image Credit: Fred S of San Carlo, Mexico
Full-sized image #3 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #3 of the Tarantula-Hawk
4/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in CA
Full-sized image #4 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #4 of the Tarantula-Hawk
5/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in CA
Full-sized image #5 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #5 of the Tarantula-Hawk
6/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in CA
Full-sized image #6 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #6 of the Tarantula-Hawk
7/14
Image Credit: Fred S of San Carlo, Mexico
Full-sized image #7 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #7 of the Tarantula-Hawk
8/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in Hidden Springs, CA
Full-sized image #8 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #8 of the Tarantula-Hawk
9/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in Hidden Springs, CA
Full-sized image #9 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #9 of the Tarantula-Hawk
10/14
Image Credit: Fred S of San Carlo, Mexico
Full-sized image #10 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #10 of the Tarantula-Hawk
11/14
Image Credit: Fred S of San Carlo, Mexico
Full-sized image #11 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #11 of the Tarantula-Hawk
12/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in CA
Full-sized image #12 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #12 of the Tarantula-Hawk
13/14
Image Credit: Fred S of San Carlo, Mexico
Full-sized image #13 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #13 of the Tarantula-Hawk
14/14
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken at Harper Lake, CA
Full-sized image #14 of the Tarantula-Hawk Thumbnail image #14 of the Tarantula-Hawk

The Tarantula Hawk is a parasitic wasp that uses spiders to feed its young in a macabre scene one might expect in a horror story.



Updated: 02/29/2024; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Adult Tarantula Hawks feed primarily on nectar, but females actively hunt tarantulas for more nefarious reasons. Tarantula Hawks can deliver a sting that is very painful to people, but downright paralyzing to tarantulas. Once paralyzed, the helpless tarantula is brought back to the Tarantula Hawk's burrow. To add more agony to the fate of the unfortunate tarantula, it is usually buried alive (still paralyzed) with some Tarantula Hawk wasp eggs. The newly hatched larvae immediately begin to feed on the living tarantula until it is consumed.

Tarantula Hawks take on many shades of black like blue-black and purple-black, but the orange wings always contrast with their dark bodies, making it easier to identify them. Male and female Tarantula Hawks vary in subtle ways. Male antennae are straight and their abdomens are segmented into 7 sections. Female antennae are curved and their abdomens have only 6 segments. This species of wasp is found in the American Southwest and Mexico.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Tarantula-Hawk



tarantula
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect biting icon
Flying insect icon
Insect stinger icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Hymenoptera
        Family: Pompilidae
View More
          Genus: Pepsis
View More
            Species: species

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Pepsis species
Category: Bee, Ant, Wasp and Similar
Size (Adult; Length): 42mm to 43mm (1.65" to 1.69")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: black; blue; green; orange; red; yellow; brown
Descriptors: flying; biting; stinging


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 42mm (1.7in) and 43mm (1.7in)
Lo: 42mm
Md: 42.5mm
Hi: 43mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Tarantula Hawk may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Tarantula Hawk. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)