Tarantula hawk wasp
Pepsis thisbe
insectView on iNaturalist
Large, dark wasp with iridescent wings and orange-red body. Hunts tarantulas; adults drink nectar and are important pollinators despite intimidating appearance.
Plants that support Tarantula hawk wasp
2 plants
Splendid Mariposa Lily
Calochortus splendens
geophyte
Early season nectar visitor
Bay Area native
Woolypod milkweed
Asclepias eriocarpa
perennial herb
Adult nectar source in late summer-fall
Bay Area native