Photo 35931603, (c) Jonathan Hoskins, all rights reserved, uploaded by Jonathan Hoskins

Attribution © Jonathan Hoskins
all rights reserved
Uploaded by jonathan142 jonathan142
Source iNaturalist
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Cresson's Spider Wasp (Entypus unifasciatus ssp. cressoni)

Observer

jonathan142

Date

April 26, 2019 12:05 PM CDT

Description

Horrendous quality photos but was identifiable in the field. Smaller size and black body (lacking any blue-ish hue whatsoever) indicate genus Entypus. In addition to the extensively orange wings, this specimen also had orange antennae, a combination unique to E. unifasciatus cressoni among Texan T-hawk allies. Curled antennae were diagnostic of a female. Observed hunting for spiders but without prey. So disappointed I didn’t have my Canon or collecting equipment for better shots.

Despite lacking a true common name, Cresson’s false tarantula hawk wasp (or Cresson's wolf spider hawk, since this genus doesn't actually prey on tarantulas) isn’t in use and could be used colloquially.

Observed with @jessicabeckham and others with the UTSA team near the pollinator garden.

Sizes