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Tarantula hawk wasp

Pepsis thisbe

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

moderate

geophyte

Early season nectar visitor

Bay Area native

Woolypod milkweed

Asclepias eriocarpa

moderate

perennial herb

Adult nectar source in late summer-fall

Bay Area native