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Tarantula Hawk Wasp (common name)
Pepsis Formosa (scientific name) Overview
As its common name suggests, the tarantula hawk wasp hunts large spiders, mainly tarantulas. Among the largest of spider wasps but several times smaller than tarantulas, Pepsis formosa grows up to two inches (50 mm) long. This large wasp has a blue-black or blue-green iridescent body with long black legs, red or orange wings, and reddish antennae. The bright coloring serves to signal potential predators that the wasps are dangerous, an adaptation known as "aposematism." Although not aggressive or dangerous, tarantula hawk wasps are said to have the most painful sting of any insect. Because of its painful sting and its large stinger, Pepsis formosa has very few natural enemies, but roadrunners will sometimes eat them.
Close-upSTATUS
Official State Insect
PHYSICAL DETAILS
Wingspan: 4 in (100 mm)
Length: 1–2 in (25–50 mm) Larvae: Egg is attached to or inside a large spider; larva hatches after several days up to 30. HABITAT
The tarantula hawk wasp can be found in open areas and deserts of the American Southwest, California, and Mexico, as well as in rainforests of South America.
Range: Argentina north to California and Utah.
Flight Period: 2.5–3 months, once per year Conservation Status: Not listed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) BEHAVIOR
The solitary tarantula hawk is most active in summer and fall during the day. The females of this species hunt large spiders. Pepsis formosa paralyzes the tarantula with its sting, drags it to a nest it dug in the ground, then lays a single egg on its victim and buries it alive. Once hatched, the wasp larva feeds on the living spider. Adults feed on fermented fruit, which sometimes intoxicates them and inhibits their flying. Male tarantula hawk wasps perch high in trees to watch for virgin females, a behavior called "hill-topping."
DIET
Adults: Nectar, fermented fruit, and milkweed.
Larvae: Paralyzed spiders captured by adults. TRIVIA
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Author: World Trade Press |
New Mexico State Insect | ||||||||||||||||
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Sandia Hairstreak Butterfly (common name)
Callophrys mcfarlandi (scientific name) Overview
The Sandia hairstreak is a small, rare butterfly only first discovered in La Cueva Canyon, Albuquerque, in 1958. It is found primarily in the state of New Mexico and immediately around the state’s borders. The hairstreak, named after New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains, was designated the state’s official butterfly in 2003. Its upper wings are reddish brown and its underwings are gold and green, although some individual butterflies can be significantly different.
Close-upSTATUS
Official State Butterfly
PHYSICAL DETAILS
Wingspan: 1 1/8–1 1/4 in (2.9–3.2 cm)
Larvae: Pink, lavender, and white caterpillars LIFESPAN
Four weeks
HABITAT
The hills and dunes of yucca-agave deserts.
Range: Southeast Colorado, New Mexico, west Texas, and the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico.
Flight period: Two flights from May to June Conservation status: Vulnerable BEHAVIOR
Eggs are laid on the flower stalks of the host plant. Hairstreaks typically overwinter in the egg or chrysalis stage.
DIET
Adults: Nectar of flowers, particularly the cholla cactus blossom.
Larva: Leaves and flowers of beargrass and deerweed, assorted fruit. TRIVIA
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Author: World Trade Press |
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