Spider Wasps

RobAtkinson1 · #1 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 11:31 AM

I was watching some videos a couple of days ago and came across a Tarantula Hawk Wasp taking down a spider. So I was just wondering, do we have any spider killing wasps here in the UK?

nikolai_avenger · #2 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 11:55 AM

Yes, there are Pompilidae present in the UK. Some tromatobia sp. (Pimplinae)also parasitise spiders (adults and egg sacs), I have observed them entering the webs of zygiella x-notata.

Our species perhaps not as 'impressive' as the Tarantula Hawk though, I have watched these in Arizona, although I did not see one catch a spider.

Cheers. Nik.

RobAtkinson1 · #3 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 12:04 PM

Thanks for that.

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 12:08 PM

Afternoon Rob,

Yes, about 40 species present. The current key from 1988 by Michael C. Day is out of print, but I believe an update by another entomologist is on the cards.

Take care,

Jason