Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus)

Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus)

The female spider wasp paralyzes her spider prey, then drags it back to her intended nest location.  Typically, nests are constructed in a crevice or at the base of a rock pile, walls, or building.    The female scoops out a shallow depression in the soil, deposits prey and then lays her eggs.  She covers the nest with soil and debris.  This particular wasp had a different idea.  She was doing a fine job of dragging her spider straight up an outside wall of Jo's studio.  I did not see her final destination, but I assume her intended nest was in a crack or crevice up where the wall meets the eaves or, maybe, between the wall and chimney.  

Previous spider wasp post. 

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Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus)

Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus)

Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus)

A common wasp often found in open areas (old fields, meadows, prairies and woodland edges) throughout most of North America.  Adults feed on nectar/pollen.  Females provision their nest with spiders, usually Wolf Spiders (Family Lycosidae). 

A female captures and paralyzes prey prior to constructing a nest.   She then drags the spider back to the nesting area.  I do not know where this female captured her spider or the location of her nest, but she dragged the spider through the garden for about fifty feet while I was watching.  A couple of times one of the dogs wandered too close and she abandoned the spider.  However, both time she returned after several minutes and resumed her arderous journey.

Nests are constructed in a crevice or at the base of a rock pile, walls, or building.    The female scoops out a shallow depression in the soil, deposits prey and then lays her eggs.  She covers the nest with soil and debris.

Thanks to Nick Fensler on BugGuide for the ID.



 

Spider Wasp (Tachypompilus ferrugineus)