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Spider Wasp |
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Pompilidae - Various spp.
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Spider Wasp (Cryptocheilus fabricolor)
© Agriculture Western Australia
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Description
Spider wasps are generally medium to large (up to 35mm long) solitary wasps, with strong black or black and orange colouring. Spider wasps have a distinctive hop and flick of the wings when hunting. They hold their wings flat over their bodies when at rest.
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Life cycle
Spider Wasps are very active wasps whose only prey are spiders. The females hunt spiders which they paralyse and transport to burrows. Most species dig their own burrows with some species using existing wasp burrows. There are also species which specialise in stealing prey from other spider wasps. An egg is laid on or near the spider and the developing larva feeds on the spider until it pupates. |
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Damage
Spider wasps can look fearsome, especially when they are dragging a large spider around. They will sometimes appear quite aggressive if you are caught between them and their prey, but if left alone they rarely pose a threat. Spider wasps rarely sting, however if stung symptoms are similar to bee stings which may cause serious allergic reactions in sensitive people. |
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Control
Control is unnecessary as they rarely sting and are beneficial in getting rid of unwanted spiders. |
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