I was walking in an open space preserve when I spotted this spider wasp resting on a flower. They feed on plant nectar, but hunt spiders to feed to their young.
When a female is ready to lay her eggs, she crawls on the ground or flies low to hunt for a spider. When she finds one, she stings it, paralyzing it but not killing it. Then she drags it to a burrow in the ground, where she lays an egg on its stomach. When the egg hatches it feeds on the spider. Some spider wasps make their nest on rotten wood or among rocks.
Are They Dangerous?
Spider wasps are not aggressive, and usually prefer to fly away rather than sting anybody. But if they feel threatened they will inflict a sting that is somewhat painful and causes swelling. If the person is allergic it could be more serious.. It’s always best to be cautious and not pester them.
Spider wasps live almost anywhere in the United States.
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