Entomology (Study of Bugs)/Wasp Identification

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Expert: Eric R. Eaton - 8/27/2004


Question
My wasp in question looks like the steel-blue cricket hunter with one exception; its antennae are a very striking yellowish gold. This feature is quite obvious. Otherwise the insect is a shiny blackish
blue. It is usually seen flying low over the ground or walking along open ground apparently hunting. It flicks and flutters its wings quite often while walking. I'm in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Thanks very much.

Sincerely,
Steven Morrell

Answer

Steven:

Thank you for giving such a great description: You told me where you live, what the insect is similar to, and described its behavior.  I wish EVERYONE who wrote in were as concise and yet comprehensive:-)  What a joy!

Your insect is probably a "tarantula hawk," probably Pepsis elegans.  I encountered them in Missouri when I lived there.  They are much smaller than the "regular" Pepsis species.
The "Oklahoma Wild" website has a picture in their insect gallery, but it is labelled "Entypus unifasciatus" and "spider wasp."  Sorry I don't have the URL handy.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!

Eric
bugeric@webtv.net
http://community.webtv.net/bugeric/BugEric  

Entomology (Study of Bugs)

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Eric R. Eaton

Expertise

I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.

Experience

Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.

Organizations
Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers

Publications
Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.

Education/Credentials
Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.

Past/Present Clients
Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.

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