Spider Wasp (Poecilopompilus Algidus)

Probably of the sub-species coquilletti, this wasp paralyzes a spider with its sting and places it in a chamber with one of its eggs to nourish the larva after the egg hatches. Orb weaver spiders are favored, but the female will switch to others as needed. Like its close relative, Poecilopompilus Interruptus (see the previous gallery), it mimics other stinging wasps to warn other critters. It is also a solitary wasp that is not aggressive toward people who do not disturb it. This sometimes makes it hard to identify or even distinguish it from Poecilopompilus Interruptus. The female digs a tunnel to make a nest in the ground after dragging a spider to the site backwards. She then fills the tunnel and may place debris over the covered entrance.