flying predator

[schrackman]

I didn't know what this was until some time after I took the shot. It's a tarantula hawk wasp, from Corriganville Park in Simi Valley. These insects like to hang around tarantula burrows, tugging at their web, in hopes of luring one out where they proceed to paralyze the spider with their sting, take it back to their burrow where they lay an egg on it, which in turn feeds on the living spider for approxiately 30 days. Not a nice way to go!

I read where this wasp has one of the most painful stings. It's a good thing I was just a bit intimidated taking its picture.

Ray

[drg]

This is a really good macro shot! We need to see the rest of the wasp, the legs are cut by the frame. It would really be strong if the shot showed how the creature was resting/supported.

Is it me or is the border a bit thick? This should definitely go in the galleries!

Thanks for sharing your wasp!

-CDP

[natatbeach]

the wings are beautiful ---brutal little guy though....good thing it didn't mistake you for a tarantula
;)

[another view]

Nice and sharp! If these wasps attack tarantulas, I'd probably give them some room! ;)

[Dzerzhinski46]

Dear Ray,

I can't help but marvel at the red on the wings. Fantastic shot! Great detail and such. I gues this is one of those "sting/spur of the moment" descisions (sorry for the poor pun ).

Dzerzhinski

[schrackman]

Thanks for your comments everyone. I forgot to mention...see those all little yellow dots on the stems of the plant? Those are aphids. Kind of gives you an idea as to just how big this insect is! No, I would not like to be stung by one. But from what I read they aren't aggressive toward humans, and you have to practically handle the critter to get stung. Nevertheless, I'll still keep my distance.

Ray

[Speed]

I didn't know what this was until some time after I took the shot. It's a tarantula hawk wasp, from Corriganville Park in Simi Valley. These insects like to hang around tarantula burrows, tugging at their web, in hopes of luring one out where they proceed to paralyze the spider with their sting, take it back to their burrow where they lay an egg on it, which in turn feeds on the living spider for approxiately 30 days. Not a nice way to go!

I read where this wasp has one of the most painful stings. It's a good thing I was just a bit intimidated taking its picture.

Ray

But then, who knows, they may have gotten that idea from this guy!

[Sebastian]

Speed,

The Aliens..uhm, aliens, were designed by this guy:

http://www.hrgiger.com/

WARNING: NOT for kids.