Hymenoptera wasp GIANT
Hymenoptera wasp GIANT
SPECIES Pepsis wasp
ORIGIN Peru
FRAME 14.5x14.5xD5cm Made from recycled products.
DESCRIPTION
HUGE !!!! Pepsis wasp body length is approx. 50mm. Rarely offered as they are difficult to obtain in this extra-large size. Pepsis are called tarantula hawks because they search for, paralyze, and can carry large tarantulas back to their nests. These are among the largest and most aggressive wasps in the world.
Adult tarantula hawks get their nutrition from nectar, but only the females will battle spiders to provide food for their offspring.
They pierce the tarantula with a sharp, curved sting, rapidly injecting venom that permanently paralyses but keeps its hairy adversary alive.
The incapacitated spider is either held captive in its own burrow or dragged to the wasp's nest. The female then lays a single egg on the spider's body.
The purpose of this act: a pre-prepared dinner.
When the egg hatches, the larva burrows its way inside the spider's abdomen and begins feasting on the still-living tarantula.
It begins by feeding on haemolymph - the spider equivalent of blood - before gorging itself on the tissue.
Eventually the offspring emerges from the spider as an adult tarantula hawk.
If stung, just scream
For humans and other vertebrates, the tarantula hawk has one of the most painful stings on the planet.
American entomologist Justin Schmidt created the sting pain index, with the help of variably willing or unwitting test subjects. He once described the tarantula hawk's sting as 'instantaneous, electrifying and totally debilitating'.
The tarantula hawk has been awarded second place on the Schmidt sting pain index, beaten only by the South American bullet ant (Paraponera clavata).
The pain from a bullet ant sting lasts up to 24 hours, whereas that of a wasp usually only aggravates the unlucky victim for five minutes.
Schmidt has also in the past suggested that when stung, the only response is to 'lay down and scream'. Tarantula hawks are fairly docile unless provoked, although the threat of debilitating pain appears to have left this insect mostly unchallenged, with no known predators.
COMES IN RECYCLED CARDBOARD GIFT BOX
Care
All frames are professionally prepared and fumigated for a minimum of six months prior to sale. While every precaution is taken, museum mites may occasionally occur.
Prevention is better than the cure! To help protect your collection, we strongly recommend placing your display in the freezer for one week each year. Regular inspection and monitoring are also recommended to help preserve your specimen for many years to come.
To minimise fading, avoid direct or reflected sunlight. Please also protect your display from extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Glass may shatter if dropped. Hang only using the hook provided.
For more information and complete care instructions, please visit the FAQ section of our website.
Shipping & Delivery
We offer free nationwide standard shipping on all orders over $150. All orders under $150 incur a $12 shipping fee per order.
Express shipping options available at the checkout.
For all international orders, shipping is calculated at the checkout.
Each order is dispatched within 1-3 business days from our Mudgeeraba, QLD warehouse.
Tracking will be automatically provided via email once your order has been dispatched.
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Disclaimer
All specimens sold by Bits & Bugs are real insects and natural products. Due to the unique nature of each specimen, variations in colour, size, markings, and appearance may occur. Product images are provided as a guide only and may not represent the exact item received. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information on this website, product availability, specifications, and pricing are subject to change without notice. By using this website and purchasing our products, you acknowledge and accept these conditions.
FAQ
To read our Frequently Asked Questions, click here.