http://www.ck12.org Chapter 14. Understanding Biodiversity: Animals: Invertebrates
The mouthparts of the wasp consist of the upper lip (labrum) and the lower lip (labium). There are also jaws
(mandibles), and two smaller jaw-like appendages (maxillae). All these mouthparts are used for biting. Insects
with biting mouthparts like wasps work their mandibles from side to side. Bees and wasps have biting and lapping
mouthparts. All insects have three pairs of legs. Each leg is consisted of 5 parts: the coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia,
and tarsus. The tarsus has 2-5 segments, and it often has a pair of claws at the tip and one or more pads. The wasp
wings are made of membrane. These wings have large cells with few veins.
Behavior
The Tarantula hawk wasp is a solitary insect. The hawk wasp is very active during daytime, but their prey is active at
night, so most of the hunting is during dusk. The wasp also feeds on flowers during daytime. When the male mates
with the female, the female will go out hunting for a tarantula with her sense of smell while on ground. When she
is finding a male tarantula, she will locate the burrow. When the burrow is found, she touches the silk around the
burrow so she can get the tarantula’s attention.
When the tarantula comes out, the female fights with the tarantula. She must sting the tarantula in between the legs
on the underside. After paralyzing the tarantula, she drags the tarantula to the burrow she has made. When she
finishes dragging it, she lays an egg on it. When the egg hatches, the larva creates a hole into the spider, feeding on
its organs for as long as possible. When seven weeks pass by, the larva pupates, growing into an adult. Then the
reproduction cycle starts all over again.
References
- http://www.birdandhike.com
- http://www.bugguide.net
- http://www.ck12.org/biology/Invertebrate-Evolution/lesson/Invertebrate-Evolution/ ]
- http://www.eol.com
- http://www.naturebytevideos.com
- Miller, Sara Swan. Ants, Bees, and Wasps of North America. Canada: Franklin Watts, 2003. Print.
- Milne, Lorus and Margery. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders.
New York: Alfred A. Knapf Inc, 1980. Print. - Morgan, Sally. Looking at Minibeasts: Ants, Bees, and Wasps. North Mankato: Thameside Press, 2001.
Print.
Attribution
Authors
- Mailani Aguila
Supervising Faculty
- Amy Huff Shah