We have a ton of tarantula hawks here but this is the first I have seen with the yellow (orange ;o) antenna but you have clearly pointed out there is a species like that, I just had not seen one before. This one I think was a "juvi" (which would also explain the crabby teenage attitude) as it was not as big as the ones I had seen earlier in the year which seems odd this late in the year. Also why the poor wolfie??

after they have morphed into the imago state (you'll never see what you call 'youvie' they live inside the spider and are larvae). I think most wasp species are rather specialized and if this one took a wolf spider it knew exactly what it wanted. I hope someone will identify the species, and please do not move it any further than the general spider wasp page for now.

I had no idea. I assumed they grew. This one was a little over 1/2 the size of the "typical" TW we get in the summer. Also please know I do not move anything until I get a confirmed id from the experts which I know I am not, I am just a photographer who loves bugs and has a passions for learning more about them.

The large difference in host size (tarantula vs wolf spider) explains the size difference in these wasps. The tarantula hawk preys on much larger spiders, so the larva that will eventually feed on the spider will be roughly equal to it in mass when it has finished eating it. This species (very likely Entypus) preys on wolf spiders.

Several spider wasps (including this one) mimic tarantula hawks, since t-hawks have earned a reputation in the animal world.

Great shot! Keep the wasp photos coming in.

Don't cut off the wing tips, as they can be essential for ID when you do shoot tarantula hawks.

Please always feel free to ask if I have an image that shows what it is that will help one identify the species I post. I realize I shoot insects for an entirely different reason than most. I like to see the details of their "faces" their "expressions" and do I dare say it "personalities". Yes I am odd but I guess that's what happens when you grow up a product of Disney..lol.

The challenge for me here though was the fact it was a wasp and you might note I do not have any wasps except the one T-hawk I shot with a tele in the spring in my images. The reason being is I am highly allergic (epi-pen and all) but I am trying to overcome the fear. This one as I noted before was being very aggressive which is why most of my images look like crap.

The reason I posted the first image was I wanted an id on both the wasp and spider and I thought that image showed both the best. I had no idea the wing tips would be so important. If at any time any one has a question whether or not I have another photo please don't assume I do not because I just might. I took 11 shots of this one so if these two don't do it for you just email me.

I didn't mean to sound critical. I self-IDed a tarantula hawk with tattered wing tips and was called to task - mildly - by two experts. Didn't want you to run into the same problem. (It may pertain just to tarantula hawks.)

Like you, I was nervous with wasps but have overcome my fears with frequent exposure to the critters. I know an exterminator who's OK with them, too, but he and I both fear yellow jackets, which are quite nasty! I've had zero problems with other wasps, but am wary of honey bees, as they tend to be aggressive. I don't capture or handle any insects and have been bitten/stung only by harvester ants since I started heavy field photographing several years ago.

I hope I did not sound offended. I was just explaining my "artistic eye" lol. I probably don't always post the best picture for ID purposes but it is my prettiest picture ;o). People should never hesitate to hit me on the head and say “hey silly girl, nice picture and all, but do you happen to have a more boring "scientific" shot for us geeks” ;0). And for the record yes I have had entirely way too much coffee this morning so excuse my humor.

with your best shots this may not go to genus with any certainty. A view of the underside of the thorax is essential in the separation of Cryptocheilus and Entypus, which are two very closely related genera. For what it's worth I'm leaning strongly toward Entypus.