If you find an agitated sort of black wasp running around the ground in frantic manner, perhaps you have found a Spider-hunting Wasp looking for spiders. Although these dark wasps can fly, they spend a lot of time on the ground in dry, open sandy places. You might also find them at flowers.
The 50 or so species of Spider-hunting Wasp that might be found in Alberta are dark and may have smoky coloured or bluish tinged wings. The slender body rides atop long legs designed for running. The hind legs are particularly long and spiny. The antennae are long and sometimes curled. Are species may be up to about 10 mm (? in. long) but in some places, they can be considerably bigger.
The Spider-hunting Wasp’s interest in the spiders is most definitely not in the spider’s interest! Spider-hunting Wasps use the considerable venom in their stinger to paralyze a spider, which is dragged alive but immobile to a burrow or crevice. The burrow might have been prepared by the wasp, but some species use the spider’s own burrow (to add insult to injury!). Once the spider has been dragged safely inside, a single egg is laid on the spider and then she inters the hapless spider. The hatching larvae have a nice feast of fresh spider to grow up on.
Talk about Spider-hunting Wasps on our moderated
message board. Get answers and share images. We are Alberta's largest and friendliest
online community of nature enthusiasts. Beginners and experts are
welcome. We are non-profit, non-commercial, ad free and spam free.
Where to find Spider-hunting Wasps in Alberta
There is currently no information regarding this species in our Where & When database.
Please Report the Spider-hunting Wasps You See in Alberta
Our readers are always interested in hearing about the wildlife you see in Alberta.
Spider-hunting Wasp Family Behaviour
No observations regarding Spider-hunting Wasp Family behavior have been submitted to the database yet.
Interesting Facts about Spider-hunting Wasps
No interesting facts regarding Spider-hunting Wasps have been submitted to the database yet.
Spider-hunting Wasp Family Stories from our Readers
No stories regarding Spider-hunting Wasps have been submitted to the database yet.
Recent Spider-hunting Wasp Family Reports in Alberta
KEN OAKES
for serving as the society's PRESIDENT this year