The spider-hunting wasp is a fascinating little creature which you usually hear before you see. As they fly they create a clicking noise which is very noticeable. And when you do see one, it will appear black and blue, depending on how the light shines on it, with a red/orange patch on top. As the name suggests, these wasps do indeed hunt spiders, and they use the carcass in a fascinating way. Once they have acquired a target they quickly swoop down and sting the spider, paralyzing it without killing it. The wasp then drags the spider into its burrow or a crevice where it lays its eggs inside the spider. These eggs hatch about 10 days later and the wasp’s offspring proceed to consume the spider. Once the spider is consumed they then form a cocoon and from there pupate but they can lie dormant for months until the climate is optimal for them to hatch into their final form and then they can go hunting for their own spiders… Although these wasps sound very nasty, they are harmless to humans – so if you see one, don’t worry, it will leave you alone!
