Tarantula hawk Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
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Female tarantula hawks hunt for tarantula burrows, or for male tarantulas out wandering. They capture (often following a dramatic battle), sting and paralyze the spider. Next they transport their prey to a specially prepared nest where a single egg is laid on the spider’s body, and the entrance is covered. The wasp larva, upon hatching, begins to consume the paralyzed spider while it is still alive, avoiding vital organs for as long as possible to keep it fresh. The adult wasp emerges from the nest to continue the life cycle. Very few animals are natural enemies to these wasps; the roadrunner being one example.
Worldwide distribution of tarantulas includes areas from India to SE Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, where these predatory wasps are also likely to be found. Taratula hawk species have been observed from as far north as Utah, in the United States, and south as far as Argentina in South America, with at least 250 species living in South America. Several species of tarantula hawk are found in the desert of the southwestern United States, with Pepsis formosa and Pepsis thisbe being common.
The sting of the tarantula hawk, particularly pepsis formosa, is among the most painful of any insect. Commenting on his own experience one researcher said, "You will curse your mother for ever having you." Another described, "...immediate, excruciating pain that simply shuts down one’s ability to do anything, except, perhaps, scream. Mental discipline simply does not work in these situations."