Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Pompiloidea
- Family: Pompilidae
- Subfamily: Pepsinae
- Tribe: Pepsini
- Genus: Hemipepsis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hemipepsis: //ˌhɛmɪˈpɛpsɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Hemipepsis is a genus of large pepsine spider wasps known as tarantula hawks, comprising numerous species found mostly in tropical regions. They are recognized for their significant role in the ecosystem as pollinators and as predators of tarantulas.
Physical Characteristics
Forewing length 11-27 mm; body length longer, appearing longer due to long legs and antennae.
Identification Tips
Distinguishable from similar genera (Pepsis and Entypus) when wing venation is clearly resolved in images.
Habitat
On the ground in arid or semi-arid habitats; often found at flowers, especially milkweed.
Distribution
Found throughout the tropics, with species recorded in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Notable species include Hemipepsis mexicana in southwestern Texas and H. ustulata across several U.S. states and regions.
Diet
Females provision nest with Theraphosids (tarantulas); both sexes feed on nectar from flowers.
Life Cycle
Usually a single generation per year; possibly a second generation in the extreme southern part of the range.
Reproduction
Mating and egg-laying occur with females provisioning nests with paralyzed prey (tarantulas).
Ecosystem Role
Pollinators of certain plant species, including those in the Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae families in South Africa.
Misconceptions
Both Hemipepsis and Pepsis are commonly referred to as 'Tarantula Hawks'.
Tags
- Hymenoptera
- Tarantula Hawk Wasps
- Hemipepsis
- Pepsini