🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Orange Spider Wasp

Cryptocheilus australis

About Orange Spider Wasp

A striking orange and black spider wasp that hunts large ground-dwelling spiders across Australia. Its vivid colouration serves as a warning to predators of its powerful sting.

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Did You Know?

Female spider wasps engage in elaborate prey-handling behaviours, sometimes caching spiders temporarily while they dig the final burrow.

How to Identify Orange Spider Wasp

Orange Spider Wasp (Cryptocheilus australis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Pompilidae. Adults typically measure 20-30 mm.

Orange Spider Wasp Habitat

Orange Spider Wasp is found in indoors habitats, particularly across Australia, Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Orange Spider Wasp Diet and Feeding

Orange Spider Wasp is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Orange Spider Wasp Found?

Orange Spider Wasp can be found in Australia, Oceania, where it inhabits indoors environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Orange Spider Wasp can be found

Is Orange Spider Wasp Dangerous?

Orange Spider Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Orange Spider Wasp Role in Nature

Orange Spider Wasp serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Spider Wasp

What does Orange Spider Wasp look like?

The Orange Spider Wasp typically measures 20-30 mm.

Where is Orange Spider Wasp found?

The Orange Spider Wasp is found in Australia, Oceania and typically inhabits indoors environments.

What does Orange Spider Wasp eat?

The Orange Spider Wasp is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Orange Spider Wasp dangerous to humans?

The Orange Spider Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Orange Spider Wasp?

Female spider wasps engage in elaborate prey-handling behaviours, sometimes caching spiders temporarily while they dig the final burrow.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Orange Spider Wasp (Cryptocheilus australis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/orange-spider-wasp

MLA:
"Orange Spider Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/orange-spider-wasp.