Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis grossa) & Tarantula

Tarantula Hawk completes its life cycle!

After transforming into its adult form, the wasp emerges from the den. Feeding on nectar, pollen and fruit, it demonstrates a seemingly-peaceful life style.

Not so peaceful, the female preys on, paralyses and drags a much larger tarantula to her burrow so that, once hatched, her larger than average offspring has plenty to eat.

2 exhibit panels for Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Viejo CA
Mixed media
11"x14"