AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pepsis grossa
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
Fabricius, 1798
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
One of the largest wasps in the world, easily recognizable by its blue-black body and intense orange-colored wings. Its stinger, which can reach 7 mm, is legendary for its neurotoxic potency.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Hymenoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pompilidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pepsis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Fabricius, 1798
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Summer
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits mainly dry zones and open areas of Central and South America, frequenting fields with abundant flowers and where tarantulas dig their burrows.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Females are solitary parasitoids. They locate a tarantula, paralyze it with a precise sting, and drag it into a burrow, where they deposit a single egg on it. The emerging larva consumes the tarantula alive, ensuring its survival until pupation.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
It is a solitary species; they do not form colonies. They only interact during mating.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Parasitoid: The larval phase requires fresh animal tissue (paralyzed tarantula). Adults are nectarivorous.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Adults are nectar consumers (which can become intoxicated with fermented fruit). They control large spider populations, avoiding overpopulation that could alter the balance of soil arthropods.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The male flies high looking for females. After mating, the female begins active searching for prey, excavating a nest before capturing the tarantula.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 5.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.5 g - 1.2 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 3
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 Years
Females1 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are considerably smaller, lack a stinger, and their antennae are more curved.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger, possess a long functional stinger, and straighter antennae.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
High-capacity stinger: Designed to paralyze massive prey without killing them instantly, allowing the larva to feed on fresh tissue.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Use of pesticides: The reduction of tarantula populations and floral contamination impact its specialized life cycle.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Schmidt Sting Pain Index: This wasp's sting is ranked as one of the most painful in the world, rated 4 on the Schmidt Pain Index.