# Spider Wasps (*pompilidae*) Spider wasps are fascinating insects that hunt spiders to feed their young. They are known for their impressive flying skills and can often be seen darting around gardens and fields. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Spider wasps are commonly found in gardens, fields, and wooded areas where they can find spiders. - **Also known as:** Spider Hawk, Spider Hunter, Wasp Spider ![Spider Wasps](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Wasp_June_2013-2.jpg&width=800) Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wasp_June_2013-2.jpg) ## Appearance The Spider Wasps have sleek, often dark metallic bodies, sometimes with bright orange or red markings on their wings or legs. They possess notably long, spiny legs, which help them grasp prey and move through vegetation. Their distinct color patterns often serve as a warning to predators. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Pompilidae ## Interesting facts - A female wasp lays a single egg directly on the paralyzed spider's body. - Some giant spider wasps are known as 'tarantula hawks' for hunting huge tarantulas! - The wasp larva eats the living spider from the inside out as it grows. - These solitary hunters raise their young alone, without a colony. ## Special abilities - **Paralysis Potion:** Spider Wasps can deliver a potent sting to paralyze spiders, helping them secure prey for their offspring. - **Heavy Lifter:** Spider Wasps can drag spiders many times their own body weight, efficiently moving them to their nests. - **Burrowing Brawn:** Spider Wasps have strong, spiny legs for digging intricate burrows, where they hide their paralyzed prey. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 15-60 mm - **Size:** 10-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-45 days - **Flight Speed:** 20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults drink nectar, but their larvae feast on paralyzed spiders. - **Age differences:** Adults consume nectar and pollen, while larvae feed entirely on paralyzed spiders. - **Primary Foods:** spiders, nectar, pollen - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Garden Cross Spider (*Araneus diadematus*) — A common prey item for many species. - **Hunts:** [Black Widow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-widow) (*Latrodectus mactans*) — Some spider wasps specialize in hunting dangerous spiders. - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Birds sometimes prey on adult spider wasps. - **Pollinates:** [Common Milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) — Adult wasps visit flowers for nectar, aiding pollination. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Spider Wasps? Compare the antennae, wings, waist, body hair and legs. Yellow and black stripes show up on bees, wasps and harmless mimics alike. Bee & Wasp Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Spider Wasps's wingspan? 15-60 mm ### How big is Spider Wasps? 10-30 mm ### How long does Spider Wasps live? 15-45 days ### How fast can Spider Wasps fly? 20 km/h ### What does Spider Wasps eat? Adults drink nectar, but their larvae feast on paralyzed spiders. ### Where is Spider Wasps usually found? Spider wasps are commonly found in gardens, fields, and wooded areas where they can find spiders. ### How does Spider Wasps hunt? Pursuit ## Where to spot - [LaCosta Wetlands](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lacosta-wetlands) — Florida, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Spider Wasps: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spider-wasps)