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Tarantula Hawk Wasp

Tarantula Hawk Wasp line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Tarantula Hawk Wasp full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Tarantula Hawk Wasp was a fairly challenging subject. When researching the animal I wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle the wasp in flight, or perhaps with it's wings outstretched. I decided on a simple profile shot. I love the wasp's iridescent metallic blue on black coloration and the bright orange wings. The drawing is based on a photo by Bob Barber.

Information about the Tarantula Hawk Wasp:

The tarantula hawk wasp is species of spider wasp. The female searches for tarantulas, which they capture the paralyze with a sting. The tarantula is then taken back to the wasp's lair and a single egg is laid inside it. The burrow is then sealed. When the larvae is born it then feeds on the still living spider. The male wasp does not hunt, but instead feeds on the flowers of various trees and plants.  While the wasp is not aggressive and generally does not sting humans, it can if it feels threatened. The wasp's sting is among the most painful in the animal kingdom. It is the official state insect of New Mexico.