Black wasp - stinging predator, consequences of a bite for a person

Traditionally, in the view of people, a wasp is an insect with yellow-black stripes on its abdomen. But a huge number of varieties of representatives of the stinging stalk-bellied suborder presents surprises in the form of individuals of various colors and sizes. Black wasp refers to pompilides (road wasps), members of this family are medium and large in size. Their prey is spiders, but the poisonous stings of insects are dangerous to humans. An allergic reaction and pain at the site of the bite lasts 2-3 days.

Road Wasps - Fearless Spider Hunters

Single wasps of the Pompilidae family are found all over the world, but prefer tropical latitudes. In Russia, there are more than 200 species of insects that nest on the roads. A large wasp of black color is known as a spider hunter. With her poison, she paralyzes even dangerous tarantulas. Predators, ruthlessly exterminating small insects, are not able to withstand the agility and speed of pompilids.

Interesting fact. Road wasps peculiarly move - they rush about frantically, move in zigzags, constantly flutter their wings. Rides alternate with short flights.

Road wasps reach a size of 40 mm, their body is black, their wings are smoky. The limbs are long and flexible, and some species have digging ridges on the forelegs. The hairs on the body are short and thin. Insects feed on flower nectar and juice, but more often they can be seen running on the ground. There the hunters look out for prey. Each chooses a specific type of arthropod.

Features of attack on spiders

Spiders are needed by huge black wasps to feed the larvae. Finding them in the hole, the wasp lures the enemy to the surface. The fight is limited to two clear strokes. The first is applied directly to the mouth, paralyzes the jaw of a predator - chelicera. The second blow of the sting is directed to the nerve center located on the chest. The action of the poison immobilizes the spider, leaving it alive.

Reproduction of pompilides

Big black wasps are single, they do not live in colonies and do not build multi-tiered nests. A place for posterity is chosen in the land, not far from trodden roads. Females do not feed larvae, bringing them daily food. The offspring grows on their own, on “canned food”. Wasps do not make honeycombs; several separate larval cameras are used as nests. These are short passages dug into the ground, ending with a small extension.

Information. Some types of pompilides arrange nests in the cavity of plants or sculpt them from clay.

During the breeding season, the female finds and immobilizes the spiders on which the larvae will feed. First, she immobilizes the victim, and then looks for a suitable place for the mink. Digging the nest, the female periodically returns to the spider, because ants or other wasps abduct him. Then begins the difficult stage of dragging the arthropod into the mink. Some instances of spiders are larger than pompilides.

A black wasp cannot fly with prey, so an insect drags it along the ground. Periodically, she flies to the mink for reconnaissance. Having delivered the prey to the larval chamber, the female lays the egg on the spider. The entrance to the nest is filled up and disguised, for this pebbles, castings, needles are pulled off.

To keep the spider alive, the larva begins to eat it from less significant systems - reproductive, excretory. Respiratory organs and nervous system are eaten at the final stage of development. An adult breaks its course to the surface and flies into an independent life. If it is a female, she will become a continuer of the genus Pompilidae.

Varieties of Pompilides

Cryptochil annulus - insect from the family of road wasps. It is found in Crimea, Transcaucasia, Central Asia. It lives on rocky areas, imagoes feed on nectar, and tarantulas are caught for larvae. The black wasp has yellow stripes on the abdomen and orange wings.
Tarantula hawk - one of the largest insects, its size is 51 mm, the sting is 7 mm. It lives in South America. The larva grows 35 days, eating a tarantula left by the female.

Red-bellied Road Wasp widespread throughout the middle zone of Eurasia. Her chest and head are black, and her abdomen has red spots. The female prey becomes a wolf spider, which burrows in a mink with an egg laid on it.

Why is a black wasp dangerous?

Road wasps benefit by killing spiders and other pests. The harm from them is bites inflicted for self-defense. Although attacks on humans are rare, but each is very painful, and for people prone to allergies is dangerous.

Attention. Pompilides have a powerful sting and toxic poison. A bite of a black wasp due to a painful reaction is compared with a bite of a red ant.

The introduction of a paralytic toxin will not be able to immobilize a person, but will cause a strong allergic reaction. After a bite, it is necessary to disinfect the wound with an antiseptic. Among the recommendations:

• Apply a cold compress (ice) and hold until the swelling subsides.
• Drink a large amount of liquid that helps to eliminate toxins - water, weak tea, Regidron solution.
• Refuse alcohol.
• If an allergic reaction occurs, take an antihistamine. People who are allergic should go to the hospital.

How to get rid of danger?

The bite of a black wasp has unpleasant consequences, it is especially dangerous for children and allergy sufferers. To destroy an insect's nest, you can use the following methods:

1. Pour boiling water into the hole - 8-10 liters.
2. Pour a solution of the insecticide Karbofos, Gett, Troapsil into the nest.
3. An adult can be trapped with a sweet bait. It is easy to make it - you will need to cut the plastic bottle and insert the upper part into the lower one, with the neck down. To attract an insect, pour compote or fruit drink.

Black wasp is a useful insect, but if it threatens human health, then measures to destroy it are justified and necessary.