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Apidae (Bees)
Formicidae (Ants)
Mutilidae (Velvet Ants)
Pompilidae (Spider Hunting Wasps)
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I just saw the pic of the dead Tarantula hawk. I am saddened. They are one of my favorites. I live in AZ and have a lot of them around my yard. They hang out in the blooming Mexican palo verde trees early mornings in cooler weather. They sound like little air planes flying by. I have had them land on me to rest. Then they fly on their way. They tickle when they walk on my arm. Not too thrilled when they land on my face. I have looked closely and can’t see a stinger so am guessing it is retractable. When the sun hits them just right they are the most beautiful electric dark blue black. They love the prickly pear fruits. Frequently I see only their little rumps sticking out of a ripe fruit. They are so busy chowing down that I can get close and watch and photograph them.
This year 2014 summer is strange not seeing as many “bugs” as usual. Odd Monsoon season this year.
I love the tarantula hawks! They’re spectacular insects. Interesting to hear that the insect population is down this year during the monsoon though. I’ve heard from friends there that the monsoon started early and then stopped for a little while, so maybe that had something to do with it?