Spider wasps

Definition

Members of the wasp family Pompilidae, solitary aculeate Hymenoptera that hunt, paralyze, and provision spiders as food for their larvae. Most species are active hunters that sting spiders to induce permanent paralysis, then drag the immobilized prey to a burrow or nest cell where a single egg is laid on the spider's abdomen. The larva consumes the still-living host, feeding selectively on non-vital tissues initially to prolong freshness. The family comprises roughly 5,000 cosmopolitan species in six subfamilies, with the exception of kleptoparasitic Ceropalinae that exploit other pompilids or act as ectoparasitoids on living spiders. Spider wasps are among the most conspicuous solitary wasps in many habitats, often recognized by their long legs, spiny bodies, and distinctive low flight while searching ground litter, vegetation, or spider webs.

Etymology

From English 'spider' + 'wasp', referring to their obligate arachnid prey; family name Pompilidae from Latin 'pompilus', a type of fish (classical misapplication by early taxonomists).

Example

The tarantula hawk (genus Pepsis), among the largest spider wasps, subdues theraphosid spiders with one of the most painful stings recorded in insects; smaller pompilids such as Anoplius frequently take lycosid and salticid spiders from ground habitats.

Synonyms

• pompilid wasps
• spider-hunting wasps
• Pompilidae

Related Terms

• kleptoparasitism
• ectoparasitoid
• paralysis
• tarantula hawk
• solitary wasp
• provisioning behavior
• Aculeate

Usage Notes

The common name applies to the family Pompilidae, not to other wasps that occasionally take spiders. 'Spider-hunting wasps' is sometimes preferred in European literature to avoid confusion with spider-mimicking wasps in other families. The family is morphologically diverse; not all species have the long-legged, spiny appearance of classic 'tarantula hawks.' Ceropalinae are exceptions to the typical life history and are often treated separately in behavioral discussions.