Today one of these was flying around in our backyard, landing on the ground beneath the apple tree and walking around, then up in the air for a few circles and then eventually flew off. I felt queasy just watching it, I can't stand the wasps we have occasionally.
Went inside and onto the computer, called a biologist friend and was able to ID the interloper as a tarantula hawk. Interesting creature and happily for humankind, it is fairly docile as the sting is considered to be the worst of any North American insect. I really hope it doesn't come back and get near our chickens. I'd hate to think what would happen if one of the girls tried to nab it -- it was huge. I hope it finds greener pastures, er . . . tarantulas.
They're more common in desert areas but not unheard of here on the coast. And we do have tarantulas in our area.
Went inside and onto the computer, called a biologist friend and was able to ID the interloper as a tarantula hawk. Interesting creature and happily for humankind, it is fairly docile as the sting is considered to be the worst of any North American insect. I really hope it doesn't come back and get near our chickens. I'd hate to think what would happen if one of the girls tried to nab it -- it was huge. I hope it finds greener pastures, er . . . tarantulas.
They're more common in desert areas but not unheard of here on the coast. And we do have tarantulas in our area.
