Wasp, Tarantula Wasp, Tarantula Hawk

I planted several desert milkweeds in our yard to attract butterflies, but what they have been attracting are these tarantula hawks. When I first saw one, it freaked me out, but now that I am used to them, it is not so bad. I see 6-12 on and around the milkweeds every morning. I keep my distance, but they certainly are not aggressive.

this fraking wasp stings like crazy it send s knumbness down your whole arm an feels like a needle is poking your arm with the force of a car crash!!!! dont get stung!!! i can not stress that enough! i wa sgardening one day when i encountered one attacking a large wolf spider in mid day

The female Tarantula Wasp searches for and will sting a tarantula (spider) to paralyze them, then will proceed to lay her eggs in the spider.

The spiders' body will provide an ample food source to the Tarantula Wasp larvae ..

The wasps will make no attempt to sting, unless it feels threatened. However, the sting is reputed to be one of the most painful of all of the wasps.

This particular specimen (kindly) allowed my slowed and calculated approach with my camera. I also observed that s/he seemed to pose no danger to the many hummingbirds that would visit, while the Tarantula Wasp occupied the feeder. The wasp did have a time 'guarding' her sugar-water source, for the hummers certainly kept her alert and very active ..