Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis formosa)
Tarantula hawk wasps are species of spider wasps that seize tarantulas as food for their little ones. Tarantula hawk wasps are nectarivorous insects and feed on nectar and pollen. These wasps get highly attracted to flowers and make one of the largest species of pollinators. The larval stages of the insect feed on tarantulas, which is why the female wasp captures tarantulas.
Several species of tarantula hawk are found in the deserts of the southwestern United States, with Pepsis formosa and Pepsis thisbe being common.
