Bug Identifier
Likely spider wasp (tarantula-hawk type)
Community identification

Likely spider wasp (tarantula-hawk type)

Pepsis sp. (tentative; photo detail is limited)

Order & Family
Hymenoptera; family Pompilidae
Size
Adults are commonly about 2–5 cm long, depending on species.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Open, warm habitats such as deserts, scrub, and gardens; often seen walking on the ground or around buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed mainly on nectar and other plant sugars. Females hunt spiders, which their larvae consume.

Behavior Patterns

Females paralyze spiders and lay an egg on them; adults are solitary and often have conspicuously long legs. The image is not clear enough to confirm the identification.

Risks & Benefits

A female’s sting can be extremely painful but is not generally medically dangerous. They help regulate spider populations and pollinate flowers.