How can I attract spider wasps?

[777]

I am looking for spider wasps, particularly the tarantula hawk wasp, and I’m wondering if there is any way I can attract them effectively. I am currently making a display of the top 5 most painful stinging insects.

[trehopr1]

There is no way to "attract" spider wasps. If you see one at all then that is as good as it gets. They are specialist predators. Perhaps, you may see a specimen being sold on EBay.

[wollastoni]

Nov 17, 2018 3:06:33 GMT trehopr1 said:

There is no way to "attract" spider wasps. If you see one at all then that is as good as it gets. They are specialist predators. Perhaps, you may see a specimen being sold on EBay.

Indeed you can find many on Collector’s Secret : www.collector-secret.com/insect/other-insects/tarantula-hawk-wasp/

[777]

Nov 17, 2018 3:06:33 GMT trehopr1 said:

There is no way to "attract" spider wasps. If you see one at all then that is as good as it gets. They are specialist predators. Perhaps, you may see a specimen being sold on EBay.

I appreciate your information, but don’t they feed on on nectar? The females only hunt for spiders to provide for their young.

[trehopr1]

Indeed, spider wasps (Pompilidae) do feed at nectar sources to fuel themselves. I cannot say that as a group they have any "specific" favorites. If the tarantula hawk (species) is the one which you specifically want than you either have to consult the Internet for such information or perhaps some insect collector living in the areas of that species can recommend flower sources which they have seen them on.
I have always found Pompilidae as a group to be a "happenstance" find. You are just in the right place at the right time to see one. These are not common creatures like -- say honeybees. There are I am certain a few species avid collectors would probably regard as common-ish but, even those will only have a specific "flight time" when they may be around. As adults most species are only around for probably 4-6 weeks. After that the cycle is over for another year.
Wish you luck in your endeavor and check Ebay for prices of the tarantula hawk species you desire. Unless of coarse you live in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, or Nevada.

[777]

Nov 17, 2018 16:56:58 GMT trehopr1 said:

Indeed, spider wasps (Pompilidae) do feed at nectar sources to fuel themselves. I cannot say that as a group they have any "specific" favorites. If the tarantula hawk (species) is the one which you specifically want than you either have to consult the Internet for such information or perhaps some insect collector living in the areas of that species can recommend flower sources which they have seen them on.
I have always found Pompilidae as a group to be a "happenstance" find. You are just in the right place at the right time to see one. These are not common creatures like -- say honeybees. There are I am certain a few species avid collectors would probably regard as common-ish but, even those will only have a specific "flight time" when they may be around. As adults most species are only around for probably 4-6 weeks. After that the cycle is over for another year.
Wish you luck in your endeavor and check Ebay for prices of the tarantula hawk species you desire. Unless of coarse you live in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, or Nevada.

Thank you!