Well, this isn’t an article I thought I’d ever be writing. But here we are! A few days ago on my daily walk, I saw something…strange. It was a bug skittering across the ground. And for all intents and purposes, it looked like a wasp! Only a few differences, and the fact that it was running along the ground, tipped me off to the fact that maybe it’s not quite what that was. So after a little research, I found out it was something else altogether in a way! That’s why today, we’ll be discussing the habits and infestation chances of the Florida spider wasps!
What are Florida Spider Wasps?
Spider wasps are, unshockingly types of wasps! They have a thorax modified for efficient flight and are strong fliers when they do. Unlike other species of wasps that build their nests in trees or the eaves of buildings, these guys are strong diggers. They have long, spiny legs. And the hind femur of these bugs is long enough to reach past their abdomen. Their bodies are usually dark, such as black or blue. But their wings are long and reflective, giving them a metallic look.
Some of the larger members of this species can measure up to two inches in length. And their stingers can be as long as one-third of an inch. Their legs and body have velvety-black hairs, and their abdomen is usually darker with a blue reflection in certain lighting similar to their wings. The antennae of the males are usually tightly curved into small curly Q’s, and the females are less curved.
Behavior
Florida spider wasps are solitary insects. And they get their name from how they reproduce. Female wasps, after mating, search the ground and vegetation around it for spiders. Once finding them, they deliver their painful sting to the spider’s belly. The venom of this wasp will shock the spider into a state of permanent paralysis, but not death. The spiders have little chance of fighting back either, as the flying and agility of the wasp can easily keep it out of danger.
Once the spider is paralyzed, the female wasp makes a burrow. Either that or they drag the paralyzed spider back to a premade hole in the ground. Sometimes they’ll even go into the spider’s burrow if it’s nearby. The Florida spider wasps truly begin the horror show after this. A single egg is laid on the abdomen of the paralyzed spider, and then the burrow is sealed off. The larva then hatches and feeds on the still-living spider. They break through their skin with their mandibles. The larva goes out of its way not to damage or eat any vital organs, ensuring the spider stays alive and doesn’t begin to decompose.
Oddly enough, the size of the captured spider will often determine the gender of the larva. Larger females develop when the larva has a bigger host and plenty of food to eat.
The adults are nectarivores. They consume the juice of fruits and berries and the nectar of flowers and other plants. They’ve been seen consuming fermented nectar, which intoxicates them to the point where flight becomes difficult. They are most active during the summer.
Florida Spider Wasps: The Sting
Spider wasps produce a venom that contains a powerful variety of neurotoxins called “pompilidotoxin”. These toxins cause too much sodium to flow through your cell membranes, which in turn triggers long bursts of nerve impulses. The nerves become overstimulated and start to seize, with some people reporting temporary paralysis in stung limbs.
And in 1984, a man named Justin O. Schmidt developed a painful sting for the insect kingdom. Known as the Schmidt sting pain index, a 0 is given for a sting that won’t break human skin, a 2 is for intermediate pain, and a 4 is for intense pain. Spider wasps of a species known as “tarantula hawks” have a sting rating of 4. Their sting is described as “blinding, fierce, and shockingly electric. A running hair dryer has been dropped into your bubble bath.” It is the second most painful sting in the animal kingdom behind the bullet ant.
Will Florida Spider Wasps Come Into Your Home?
Honestly, probably not. The most frequent time you’ll see these insects is outside. And then, you’ll usually just see them scurrying around on the ground and looking for prey. And as I mentioned above, they live off of fruit juice and plant nectar. Really, the only thing that will attract a spider wasp into your home is an abundance of spiders. Moisture may attract them indoors occasionally as well. Also, if there’s a lot of mud and rotting wood around your house, these locations may be ideal for a spider wasp’s nest.
And though their sting may be extremely painful, most spider wasps are not aggressive. They are solitary wasps, and will only sting when they feel threatened. Really, if you notice a spider wasp in your home you shouldn’t be worried that they are many more. Instead, check for spider infestations and possibly a leaky pipe or water-damaged wood.
Common Florida Spiders In The Home
Spider infestations can happen much more easily than a spider wasp infestation. Look for several common home infesting species. To start with, the aptly named house spider.
House spiders are dark orange or brown with dark bands on their legs. They have a distinctive funnel-shaped web. Usually, these spiders are found in dark, cool places. This includes behind furniture and cupboards, with attics, basements, and closest also being hotspots. They don’t bite often and are easily removed by catching them in a cup and taking them outside.
Cellar spiders are inconspicuous, small, and ultimately harmless spiders with very long and thin legs. But they can be an annoyance if allowed to establish a population in your home. You’ll usually find them in corners and ceilings, hanging belly-up. They feed on flies, bees, and other cellar spiders when food is scarce. These are another easily removed species with a simple cup and lid or piece of paper. Just scoop them up and put them outside.
