Arizona is home to around 30 species of tarantulas , but there's one fearless predator that's making headlines— the tarantula hawk. With its striking blue and orange colors, this wasp is a top-notch hunter during its peak season from August to October.
These large wasps are significant pollinators and they are generally more focused on nectar and hunting spiders rather than interacting with humans. While they can deliver a painful sting if provoked, most incidents occur when people try to capture or disturb them. As long as you avoid aggravating them, there’s little to worry about, and you might even be lucky enough to witness one of their dramatic, natural encounters.
Here is everything you need to know about tarantula hawks in Arizona.
How aggressive are tarantula hawks?
Tarantula hawks are not aggressive toward humans. We talked to Grey Gustafson, an assistant professor from the Department of Biological Sciences and curator of the arthropod collection at Northern Arizona University. Gustafson explained that they are known for their potent sting, which they use primarily to paralyze tarantulas.
“When I have seen them, they are primarily flying about in search of tarantulas. Their flight is impressively loud, almost like a mini helicopter,” said Gustafson.
In general, tarantula hawks are more interested in their prey than in humans. If you encounter one, it's best to avoid disturbing it. They tend to be solitary and not particularly aggressive unless provoked.
Are there tarantula hawks in Arizona?
They are quite common in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, where the climate and environment suit their needs. Gustafson says there are eight species of Tarantula hawk wasp.
You might encounter them in desert areas or around brushy, open spaces where they can find tarantulas and other insects to prey upon.
What to do if you see a tarantula hawk?
If you see a tarantula hawk wasp, Gustafson says to enjoy observing its striking metallic blue-black body and bright reddish-orange wings. These large wasps are easy to track due to their size and behavior. Females often fly around, landing to search for prey by antennation. You might even witness a dramatic encounter between the wasp and a tarantula, where the wasp paralyzes the tarantula, lays an egg on it, and seals it in a burrow. Despite the dramatic scene, this behavior ensures the wasp’s larvae have food and protection.
“What you definitely should not do is attempt to harm the wasp if you encounter one. Human-related stings I’m aware of have been caused by people trying to catch or mess with them,” said Gustafson.
Are tarantula hawks poisonous to humans?
“Tarantula hawk wasps are venomous, however, their stings evolved to subdue other arthropods — particularly tarantulas. So, they have very low lethality in vertebrates, meaning it is unlikely to be serious in terms of toxicity,” said Gustafson.
What happens if you get stung by a tarantula hawk?
Depending on the person, getting stung by a tarantula hawk results in intense, burning pain that can last for several hours, along with swelling and redness at the sting site.
“You’re in for a world of hurt,” said Gustafson.
While the sting is not usually life-threatening, it can cause a severe allergic reaction in some people. Clean the area, apply a cold pack, and use over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines as needed for first aid. Monitor your condition and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or you experience a severe allergic reaction.
Gustafson mentions that Justin O. Schmidt, known for creating the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, ranked the tarantula hawk's sting at the highest level, 4, describing it as "blinding, fierce, shockingly electric," similar to the sensation of a running hair dryer being dropped into a bubble bath.
What do you do if your dog gets stung by a tarantula hawk?
Tarantula hawk stingers generally do not get stuck in the skin like honeybee stingers do. The stinger of a tarantula hawk wasp is smooth and not barbed, so it doesn’t break off or get left in the skin after the sting.
According to the American Kennel Club , if your dog gets stung, carefully remove the stinger (if it is present) with tweezers. Apply a baking soda paste to the sting site and use an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Consult your vet about giving your dog an oral antihistamine. Ensure your dog has fresh water and monitor them closely, as allergic reactions can occur within 20 minutes or be delayed for hours.
“Again, given the low lethality of the venom, it is unlikely to be serious besides the pain and possible swelling. But how to care for a wasp wound is something best answered by a vet,” said Gustafson.
How long does a tarantula hawk live?
The lifespan of tarantula hawks can vary slightly depending on species and environmental conditions. Generally, adult tarantula hawks, particularly females, can live for about 6 to 12 months. Males often have a shorter lifespan, typically around 2 to 3 months. The overall life cycle, including egg, larval and pupal stages, takes several months to a year, depending on factors like temperature and food availability.
“Detailed studies of one of the species found here in Arizona, Thisbe’s tarantula hawk wasp, under laboratory conditions showed they typically took about 10 months to go from an egg to an adult wasp,” said Gustafson. “Around 85% of this time was spent as a dormant cocoon. The adult wasp can subsequently live for several months. In sum, it seems they can live a little over a year. This also likely varies by species.”
What attracts tarantula hawks?
Tarantula hawks are attracted to environments where they can find tarantulas, their primary prey. They prefer open, sunny areas such as deserts, grasslands, and scrublands, where tarantulas are more common. Additionally, they are drawn to places with sparse vegetation, rocks or burrows, which provide potential nesting sites.
“Adults feed on flower nectar and so they are attracted to flowers similar to other wasps and bees. Pepsis are particularly fond of milkweed, like the desert milkweed, and like bees, serve as pollinators of this and other flowering plants,” said Gustafson.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How aggressive are tarantula hawks? Everything to know about the killer wasps
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