A tarantula hawk wasp defends her territory in Albuquerque.

Intimidation

Sandia Foothills, Albuquerque, New Mexico

While photographing in the Sandia Foothills above Albuquerque I kept hearing a strange, low buzzing sound. I ignored it, thinking it might be a hummingbird. I soon realized the sound wasn't coming from a hummingbird, but from a Tarantula Hawk Wasp -- an insect that apparently has the second most painful sting on the planet. It is also the state insect of New Mexico. The black and orange coloration serves as a warning to would-be predators to stay away. Since I had no intentions of eating this one, I hoped she wouldn't mind if I got close enough for a few photos.
I talked to an entomologist who deliberately stung himself with a captive Tarantula Hawk Wasp. He said that it was indeed very painful, and compared the pain to breaking an arm. I'll take his word for it.

Photo © copyright by Chris Ridgway.

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