Orange Spider Wasp III - Cryptocheilus sp.


Wasp body length 30mm

On Oct 2011 in JC Trotter Memorial Park, we saw a pair of very large Orange Spider Wasps flying passing by. We quickly took the about photo. This Spider Wasp look a bit different with the two species above with its forewing tip slightly darken.



The above picture shows the wasp just came out from a hole (could be a spider hole) with empty hand. We found that they are active on early summer. They build burrow nest in soil. This Spider Wasp is a predator of Huntsman Spider and Wolf Spider.


Wasp body length 30mm, just captured a Huntsmen Spider. Image thanks to John Kilford, Sydney

Cryptocheilus sp. is the common predator of Huntsman Spiders and Wolf Spiders.

Reference:
1. Spider Wasps - Fact sheet, Australian Museum online, Australian Museum, 2003.
2. Cryptocheilus sp. - Spider Wasp, Hornet - Insects of Townsville, Australia - Graeme Cocks, 2004.

FAMILY POMPILIDAE