This dangerous beauty was enjoying the mint blossoms a few days ago.
Hemipepsis ustulata.....The Tarantula Hawk!
They aren't aggressive (at least in my limited experience), but if provoked,
can (according to the Wiki) deliver the ", ....
the 2nd most painful (sting) of all insects, the Bullet Ant being THE most painful."
The stinger is ~1/4" (.635mm) and not barbed, like a 21gauge hypodermic needle. (see full post in
this thread)
The advice is ,
"if stung, stop, drop, and scream like no one is listening!"
See
Slideshow (16 images)
Does anyone have a story to tell about them, good or bad? They aren't a problem for me (yet).
