Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Pepsis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Pompiloidea
- Family: Pompilidae
- Subfamily: Pepsinae
- Tribe: Pepsini
- Genus: Pepsis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pepsis: //ˈpɛpsɪs//
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Images
Summary
Pepsis is a genus of spider wasps known as tarantula hawks, primarily hunting tarantulas and occurring across the Americas. They are notable for their size, metallic appearance, and complex mating and reproductive behaviors involving paralyzing their prey.
Physical Characteristics
Large, metallic-sheened blue-black to greenish wasps, most with orange wings. Females typically hold their antennae curled in an arc, while males hold theirs straighter.
Identification Tips
Distinguishable by their size and coloration; females hold antennae differently than males which can aid in identification. This genus can be confused with Hemipepsis, and certain orange-winged individuals of Entypus superficially resemble them.
Habitat
Open areas and deserts, primarily in the southwestern United States, with some species found in southern Florida.
Distribution
Primarily southwestern US, extending into Central and South America; 14 species in the US and a total of 133 documented across the Americas.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar, particularly fond of milkweed (genus Asclepias). Larvae feed on paralyzed spiders, primarily tarantulas.
Life Cycle
Mating typically occurs on flowers or nearby defended locations; females hunt tarantulas, paralyze them, and lay a single egg inside a burrow where the larvae will feed on the spider.
Reproduction
Females seek out tarantula burrows, paralyze the spiders, and lay a single egg on or within the spider. The larva consumes the paralyzed spider after hatching.
Predators
Only generalist predators may attack them; they have a powerful sting which serves as a defense mechanism.
Ecosystem Role
Predators of tarantulas and other similar spiders, playing a role in controlling spider populations.
Health Concerns
Known to have a very powerful sting, but they are not considered aggressive towards humans.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping
- Hand collecting in appropriate habitats
Preservation Methods
- Pinned specimens
- Alcohol preservation for genetic studies
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often misidentified due to similar species; also mistakenly considered aggressive due to their potent sting.
Tags
- Tarantula-hawk
- Spider wasps
- Pompilidae
- Hymenoptera
- Pepsis
- Entomology