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Jack Hoying | all galleries >> Photos from our Trips >> Lake Powell Area Hiking and Boating - June 2007 >> Buckskin Gulch 6-4-2007 > Taranchula Hawk
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04-JUN-2007 Jack Hoying

Taranchula Hawk

Buckskin Gulch, Utah

This wasp has a rather unique way to spread its species. During the day it acts like any other wasp and feeds on flower nectar. At night it seeks out tarantula's burrows. It uses its feelers to entice the tarantula out. Sometimes the tarantula is too smart for it and won't come out. However if the tarantula is not smart it will come out. And a amazing dance ensues. If the wasp gets the better of the tarantula then it stings the tarantula until its docile. However it does not kill it. It then goes into the tarantula's burrow and does some rearranging and house cleaning. Mainly taking some rocks and dirt out and clearing the opening more. Once its done with the house cleaning the wasp stings the tarantula some more to make sure it stays docile and deposits it back into the burrow. The wasp leaves a little surprise however for the tarantula. There is an egg left on the tarantula or in the burrow and when the larvae hatches it has a nice large meal to begin its life.

Nikon D200
1/40s f/7.1 at 200.0mm iso500 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Laura Milholland22-Jun-2007 03:46
Great shot of this guy, Jack, and very interesting info too.
fotabug16-Jun-2007 17:14
Amazing bit of information. This is a fine shot too.
Guest 16-Jun-2007 08:22
Jack that is quite amazing.